Commerce Department Acquires EUV Scatterometry Equipment for Advanced Semiconductor Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $112,345 ($112.3K)
Contractor: Pembroke Instruments, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-08-29
End Date: 2025-01-02
Sector: Other
Official Description: CHIPS-ULTRAVIOLET (EUV) SCATTEROMETRY
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $112,345 to PEMBROKE INSTRUMENTS, LLC for work described as: CHIPS-ULTRAVIOLET (EUV) SCATTEROMETRY Key points: 1. Procurement of specialized scatterometry equipment to support semiconductor research. 2. Sole-source award to Pembroke Instruments, LLC, a key supplier in this niche. 3. Potential risk of limited competition due to specialized nature of the technology. 4. Enhances U.S. capabilities in advanced semiconductor metrology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The value of this purchase order is $112,345, aimed at acquiring critical equipment for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This investment supports advanced research in semiconductor manufacturing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Pembroke Instruments, LLC. This suggests a lack of readily available alternative suppliers for this highly specialized EUV scatterometry equipment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for specialized equipment to advance domestic semiconductor research and development.
Public Impact
Supports U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains. Aids in the development of next-generation microelectronics. Contributes to scientific advancement in materials science and metrology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single supplier for critical equipment.
- Potential for cost overruns if market competition is limited.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of advanced metrology tools.
- Support for NIST's role in semiconductor research.
- Investment in U.S. technological leadership.
Sector Analysis
This acquisition falls within the advanced manufacturing and technology sector, specifically focusing on semiconductor metrology. Such equipment is crucial for ensuring the quality and precision required in microchip fabrication.
Small Business Impact
The award was not set-aside for small businesses, and the sole-source nature indicates the primary contractor is likely a specialized, established entity rather than a small business.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the Department of Commerce, specifically NIST, ensuring the equipment meets technical specifications and research objectives. The purchase order mechanism provides a clear record of the transaction.
Related Government Programs
- CHIPS-ULTRAVIOLET (EUV) SCATTEROMETRY
- Semiconductor Metrology Equipment
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Procurement
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Limited market availability
Tags
semiconductor, metrology, euv, scatterometry, nist, commerce-department, purchase-order, advanced-manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $112,345 to PEMBROKE INSTRUMENTS, LLC. CHIPS-ULTRAVIOLET (EUV) SCATTEROMETRY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PEMBROKE INSTRUMENTS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $112,345.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-29. End: 2025-01-02.
Analysis insight 1
The scatterometry equipment is essential for measuring the physical characteristics of semiconductor wafers at the nanoscale.
Analysis insight 2
EUV technology is critical for producing the most advanced microchips, requiring highly precise measurement tools.
Analysis insight 3
NIST's acquisition aims to bolster domestic capabilities in a strategically important industry.