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Prototype Stripline Kickers

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.BROOKHAVEN NATL LAB -DOE CONTRACTOR · Response deadline: Fri, 04 Dec 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a contractor to deliver prototype stripline kickers. Stripline kickers are specialized electromagnetic devices used in particle accelerator systems to rapidly deflect charged particle beams. These components are essential for beam injection, extraction, and fast switching operations in high-energy physics research facilities.

This procurement calls for prototype units, indicating developmental or pre-production hardware rather than off-the-shelf commercial products. The work likely involves custom engineering, precision manufacturing, and performance validation for accelerator applications. Given Brookhaven's operational accelerators—including the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)—these kickers may support existing facility upgrades or future beamline projects.

For this type of specialized electromechanical work, see the solicitation for full technical specifications, quantity requirements, delivery schedule, and any associated documentation or testing obligations.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is open to all responsible sources; there is no small-business set-aside, meaning large businesses are eligible to compete alongside small firms. Under NAICS 335999 (All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing), the typical small-business size standard is 500 employees—see the solicitation to confirm applicability.

Eligible bidders should have capabilities in one or more of the following areas: precision electromagnetic component design, high-voltage pulsed power systems, vacuum-compatible hardware, and accelerator-specific quality assurance. Past performance with DOE national laboratories, CERN, or comparable accelerator facilities would strengthen a proposal. Manufacturers of custom RF/microwave components, pulsed power equipment, or scientific instrumentation may find this opportunity suitable.

How to put together a competitive bid

Demonstrate accelerator domain expertise. Prototype stripline kickers require understanding of beam dynamics, impedance matching, and high-field operation. Highlight relevant past projects, particularly with picosecond-to-nanosecond rise-time specifications or UHV-compatible designs.

Address manufacturing precision. Kickers demand tight mechanical tolerances for impedance control and field uniformity. Detail your fabrication capabilities, materials traceability, and dimensional verification methods.

Explain testing and validation. Prototypes require characterization—impedance measurements, high-voltage standoff testing, and field mapping. Describe your test infrastructure or partnerships with facilities capable of beam-based validation.

Present clear technical and schedule risk mitigation. Custom prototypes carry development uncertainty. Identify technical risks (dielectric breakdown, thermal management, multipactoring) and your mitigation strategies.

Price strategically. With no set-aside, you compete against established suppliers. Ensure your cost narrative justifies any premium through technical merit or schedule advantages. Include clear labor, material, and subcontractor breakdowns.

Verify SAM registration. Active SAM.gov registration is mandatory; confirm yours is current through award period.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number MB483335 or the notice title "Prototype Stripline Kickers." Review all technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and required representations. Note the firm response deadline of December 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time—late submissions will not be considered. Contact the contracting officer listed in the SAM notice with questions; allow adequate time for clarifications before the deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →