Sources Sought for Hyperfine Swoop MRI System Software and Maintenance NB686080-26-00568
Summary
AI-generated · Feb 07, 2026Market research is being conducted to identify qualified providers able to supply proprietary software updates, technical support, and preventative maintenance for a NIST-owned Hyperfine Swoop portable MRI system. Requirements include ongoing access to Hyperfine proprietary software for patches, firmware updates, and AI-driven reconstruction upgrades; OEM-certified maintenance including biannual preventative maintenance and emergency repairs using specialized diagnostic tools compatible with the Swoop architecture; and the sourcing and installation of OEM-certified replacement parts (including the 8-channel head coil and shielding components) that preserve FDA-cleared performance.
The objective is to determine if any source besides Hyperfine Operations, Inc. has the legal authority and technical capability to access the proprietary software and provide maintenance without voiding warranties or compromising system operation. Interested parties should submit a capability statement (up to three pages) showing company information (UEI and socio-economic status), documentation of the legal right to access Hyperfine proprietary software, a formal letter of authorization from Hyperfine confirming the respondent as a certified third-party service provider, and a summary of at least two similar Hyperfine Swoop contracts within the last three years.
Project Title: Proprietary Software Support and Maintenance for Hyperfine Swoop MRI System Notice ID: NB686080-26-00568 NAICS Code: 811210 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. 1. Introduction This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from qualified business sources capable of providing proprietary software updates, technical support, and preventative maintenance for a NIST-owned Hyperfine Swoop MRI System. This notice does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or a commitment by the Government to award a contract. 2. Background and Requirements NIST currently utilizes the Hyperfine Swoop Portable MRI system for advanced metrology and research applications. The system relies on the Hyperfine proprietary software platform for deep-learning image reconstruction, sequence management, and system diagnostics. The Government requires a service provider capable of: Proprietary Software Access: Providing ongoing software patches, firmware updates, and AI-driven reconstruction algorithm upgrades. OEM-Certified Maintenance: Performing biannual preventative maintenance and emergency repairs using specialized diagnostic tools compatible with the Swoop architecture. Certified Parts: Sourcing and installing OEM-certified replacement parts (including the 8-channel head coil and specialized shielding components) that maintain FDA-cleared performance specifications. 3. Purpose of this Notice The purpose of this market research is to determine if any source other than Hyperfine Operations, Inc. (the Original Equipment Manufacturer) possesses the legal authority and technical capability to access the proprietary software and provide the required maintenance without voiding existing warranties or compromising the system s operational integrity. 4. Response Instructions Interested parties must submit a capability statement (not to exceed 3 pages) that includes: 1. Company Information: Name, address, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and socio-economic status (e.g., Small Business, SDVOSB, etc.). 2. Technical Capability: Documentation demonstrating the legal right to access and update Hyperfine proprietary software. 3. Authorization: A formal letter of authorization from Hyperfine Operations, Inc. confirming the respondent is a certified third-party service provider. 4. Experience: A summary of at least two (2) similar contracts performed within the last three years involving the Hyperfine Swoop system. Responses are due no later than the date and time posted in this notice. Submit to: Lisa Stevens at lisa.stevens@nist.gov
From Sources Sought posted on Feb 06, 2026The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division intends to negotiate with Hyperfine Operations, Inc., located in Guilford, CT, on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b), soliciting from a single source, for software updates and maintenance on NIST s Hyperfine Swoop Portable MRI System. Specific Requirements are as follows: Software & Firmware Support Licensing: Provide annual access to the Hyperfine cloud-based image reconstruction platform. Software: Operate system and obtain images in DICOM format. Updates: Deploy all software updates as available. Security: Ensure all software patches comply with NIST IT security requirements for networked laboratory equipment. Preventative Maintenance The Contractor shall perform two (2) scheduled PM visits per year. Each visit must include, at a minimum: Verification of the static magnetic field homogeneity. Testing and calibration of the Gradient Coils and RF chains. Mechanical inspection of the bridge, motor drives, and caster locking systems. Validation of the internal "Self-Shielding" electromagnetic interference (EMI) cancellation system. Replacement of high-wear items as defined by the OEM service manual. Bridge and Motor check. Corrective Maintenance (Repairs) Response Time: The Contractor shall provide phone/remote support within 4 business hours and on-site repair services within 48 72 hours of a service call. Parts: All replacement parts must be new, OEM-certified, and compatible with the Swoop MRI architecture. Coil Support: Maintenance and repair/replacement coverage for the 8-channel Head Coil and any specialized NIST-purchased coils. NAICS Code is 811210 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance, with a Size Standard of $34M. NIST anticipates negotiating and awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order to Hyperfine Operations, Inc. for this requirement. Interested parties that can demonstrate they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST must clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether competitive procedures could be used for this acquisition. If competitive procedures are not used it is estimated that an award will be issued by March 01, 2026. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to lisa.stevens@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted to lisa.stevens@nist.gov no later than the date and time provided herein this posting. JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AN OPEN COMPETITION: NIST currently utilizes the Hyperfine Swoop MRI system for imaging of reference objects (phantoms) and people to understand system variability and conduct research on human subjects. Comprehensive market research confirms that Hyperfine Operations, Inc., is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and the sole provider of the proprietary software architecture required for the system's operation. Because the software is closed-source and protected by intellectual property rights, no third-party vendors can provide the necessary updates, security patches, or deep-learning reconstruction algorithm calibrations. Furthermore, Hyperfine is the only entity with the specialized diagnostic tools and certified technicians required to perform hardware maintenance without compromising the system's FDA-cleared performance specifications. Consequently, Hyperfine Operations, Inc. is the only source capable of satisfying the government s requirement for continued operational integrity and data consistency.
From Special Notice posted on Feb 13, 2026Notice history
2-
Sources Sought Posted Feb 06, 2026
-
Special Notice LATEST Posted Feb 13, 2026View changes (4)
- Title: Sources Sought for Hyperfine Swoop MRI System Software and Maintenance → Notice of Intent to Sole Source Hyperfine Swoop MRI System Software and Maintenance
- Description: Description was updated
- Notice Type: Sources Sought → Special Notice
- Response Deadline: Feb 13, 2026 → Feb 20, 2026
Details
Award Information
Not yet awarded
Contacts
Phone
Agency
Place of Performance
USA