PlanetaryPlanetary lap for sample/wafer preparation and sealing prism to device.

NRL NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive proposals. This is not a solicitation or request for offers. No solicitation package is available and email requests will not be honored. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to award a sole source Purchase Order to Kemet International Limited.

This requirement is for the purchase of a lapping machine to polish germanium and ceramic components to produce a surface seal. Such a machine's purpose is to polish materials FLAT, in addition to smooth. Such a flat surface is necessary to produce a chemically inert "surface seal". While most ceramics are best polished via mechanical polishing, chemo-mechanical polishing is necessary to achieve a suitable finish on germanium.

Thus, we require a machine that can perform both mechanical and chemo-mechanical polishing in a single unit. Because of limited space, we require a small (benchtop) form factor. The lapping machine must have demonstrated capability, and disclose their process, to polish MACOR and germanium to 12nm RA, and a global flatness of (300nm) over a 2-inch device. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) for this requirement is 334517 with the size standard of 500 or fewer employees-Small.

The Federal Supply Code (FSC) / Product Service Code (PSC) procurement is 3419. This purchase will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b) for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. Interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement in accordance with the posted opening and closing dates.

Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed purchase order based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided. Please reference this Notice of Intent number, N00173-25-Q- 1301267105 on your correspondence and in the “Subject” line of your email. Closes 8/22/25 1:00 pm ET