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UHV Viewport Assembly with Manual Shutter

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ORNL UT-BATTELLE LLC-DOE CONTRACTOR · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of Energy (DOE), through UT-Battelle LLC (the DOE contractor operating Oak Ridge National Laboratory), is seeking to acquire a UHV Viewport Assembly with Manual Shutter. This is specialized scientific equipment for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments.

UHV viewport assemblies are critical components in scientific research facilities, enabling visual access to vacuum chambers while maintaining extreme pressure conditions (typically below 10⁻⁹ torr). The manual shutter feature allows operators to protect the viewport window from deposition or damage during experiments. These components are essential in materials science, fusion research, accelerator physics, and other advanced energy research conducted at national laboratories.

Key facts

NAICS 33399 covers All Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing, a broad category that includes specialized vacuum and pressure equipment not classified elsewhere. This classification reflects the niche, technical nature of UHV components.

Who can bid

This opportunity is unrestricted—no small business set-aside applies. Any qualified business, regardless of size or socio-economic status, may compete. However, the technical demands of UHV equipment manufacturing create natural barriers to entry.

Prospective bidders should assess their capabilities against the specialized requirements of this market:

• Technical expertise: UHV components require precision engineering, specialized materials (often stainless steel 304L/316L, ConFlat flanges), and clean manufacturing processes to achieve leak rates below 10⁻¹⁰ atm·cc/sec
• Certification and proven performance: National laboratory procurement typically favors vendors with demonstrated UHV experience and relevant quality certifications (ISO 9001, traceable calibration)
• Supply chain access: Optical-grade viewport materials (sapphire, fused silica) and clean assembly protocols are essential

Small businesses with niche vacuum technology expertise should not be discouraged by the unrestricted status—specialized technical competence often outweighs set-aside preferences in scientific equipment procurements.

How to put together a competitive bid

Given the specialized nature of UHV equipment, focus your proposal on demonstrated technical compliance rather than cost minimization:

• Specify exact materials and specifications: Detail flange type (likely ConFlat CF), viewport material, transmission properties, and shutter mechanism torque specifications. See the solicitation for exact requirements.
• Provide performance data: Include bakeout temperature limits, pressure ratings, and helium leak test results from comparable assemblies
• Document quality processes: Describe cleanroom assembly protocols, vacuum-compatible packaging, and traceable cleaning procedures
• Reference past performance: Cite prior deliveries to DOE national labs, CERN, or other major research facilities
• Address logistics: Oak Ridge National Laboratory has specific receiving and security requirements for technical equipment; confirm delivery protocols
• Underbid only if you understand the full cost structure: UHV components involve significant post-sale support risk; warranty terms and spare parts availability matter to evaluators

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number PR516061 to obtain detailed technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and delivery requirements
2. Note the deadline: Responses must be submitted by November 6, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
3. Assess your UHV manufacturing capabilities against the unpublished specifications; the solicitation date suggests limited preparation time
4. Contact the contracting officer early if clarification is needed—the technical nature of this requirement may warrant pre-submission questions

View the official notice on SAM.gov →