Sources Sought - 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator
ID: NB672010-25-02161Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYDEPT OF COMMERCE NISTGAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, USA

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

PSC

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES MEASURING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS (6625)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/a4ed1d77d0b8494fb50f6f66e77fa254/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking proposals for a 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator to support research on electric-acoustic nonlinear measurements. The procurement requires a device that operates within a frequency range of 100 kHz to 67 GHz, with a minimum output power of 8 dBm, and capabilities for amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation, along with remote control features. This acquisition is crucial for advancing precision instrumentation in communications technology research, which is vital for maintaining measurement standards across various scientific and industrial applications. Interested suppliers must submit their proposals by the specified deadline, and for further inquiries, they can contact Daniel Kent at daniel.kent@nist.gov or by phone at 303-497-6533. Note that funding is not currently available, and no awards will be made until funds are accessible.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Daniel Kent
    (303) 497-6533
    daniel.kent@nist.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 1 - Specifications.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a microwave signal generator from the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) to facilitate research on electric-acoustic nonlinear measurements. The device must operate within a frequency range of 100 kHz to 67 GHz, providing adequate output power of at least 8 dBm, while allowing for amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation. Key features include remote control capabilities, high harmonic output power, and a rack mounting option. An optional ultra-low noise external reference frequency is also requested. Procurement specifics indicate that delivery must be completed within 60 days after order release to NIST's Boulder facility. Additional vendor considerations include potential site visits and standard warranty and calibration requirements, though no installation or maintenance support is necessary. The document outlines the overall objectives of the acquisition in support of scientific advancements, emphasizing the importance of precision instrumentation in communications technology research. This RFP signifies NIST's dedication to equipping its laboratories with advanced technology to uphold measurement standards crucial for various applications in science and industry.
    Attachment 1 - Specifications Draft.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator for the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), specifically the Radio Frequency Technology Division. This equipment is essential for research on nonlinear acoustic measurements, supporting the project "Measuring Intermolecular Interactions with Electro-Acoustic Spectroscopy." The specified generator must operate across a frequency range of 100 kHz to 67 GHz, output high power (minimum 8 dBm), and accept modulation via analog inputs. Additional features include remote control capabilities and a rack mount flange kit. The document outlines delivery expectations, specifying a 60-day completion window post-order, and delivery to NIST-Boulder. There are no additional installation or training requirements, and the procurement does not require travel or government-furnished materials. Overall, the request emphasizes rigorous performance specifications to ensure the signal generator meets research needs, reinforcing NIST's commitment to advancing communication technologies through precise instrumentation.
    NB672010-25-02161 - 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator RFQ.pdf
    The document outlines a Request for Quotation (RFQ) number NB672010-25-02161 for a 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator, issued under FAR 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It indicates that funding is not currently available, and no award will be made until funds are accessible. The RFQ is open to all suppliers due to its unrestricted status, with the Government evaluating proposals based on technical capability and price using a lowest price technically acceptable evaluation method. Key proposal requirements include submission on company letterhead, firm fixed pricing, and essential technical documentation that aligns with attached specifications. Delivery details and compliance with various FAR clauses are specified, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). The document also outlines specific instructions for delivering acceptable invoices electronically and stipulates that the final evaluation will focus on technical capability to meet requirements and reasonableness of pricing. The solicitation is structured with detailed clauses, provisions, and terms and conditions to guide prospective offerors in adhering to compliance and operational requirements. The closing date for submissions is provided, along with contact information for further inquiries.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Solicitation - 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
    Sources Sought - 67 GHz Microwave Signal Generator
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Probes
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of five 220 GHz on-wafer probes to support its CHIPS program. The probes are essential for manufacturing on-wafer standards for S-parameters and power measurements up to 330 GHz, with the goal of providing known permittivity measurements for on-wafer traceability. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant product information to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov by December 15, 2025, as this notice is for market research purposes and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire Sub-THz VNA extenders and a high-power amplifier to support its CHIPS program focused on high-frequency transistor characterization. The procurement includes specific requirements for WR6.5, WR5.1, and WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders, as well as a D-band waveguide amplifier, all of which are critical for developing a unique microelectronic measurement setup essential for semiconductor testing. This equipment is vital for enhancing measurement capabilities and accelerating the development of next-generation microelectronic devices. Interested vendors must respond by December 23, 2025, with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information regarding a Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System to fulfill specific technical requirements. The desired system must include a pump laser, signal and idler laser outputs with defined tunable ranges and power, control electronics compatible with U.S. power and Windows PCs, as well as a high-accuracy wavelength meter and stabilization controls. This procurement is crucial for advancing analytical laboratory capabilities, and interested vendors are encouraged to submit their company details, equipment specifications, and service offerings by email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov by October 31, 2022. This notice serves as market research and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.
    Sources Sought Notice for CHIPS R&D Optical frequency comb, Control electronics
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a Mid-Infrared Femtosecond Laser Source, Femtosecond Laser Control Electronics, and an Ultrastable Laser System as part of its CHIPS Metrology Program. The objective is to enhance measurement science critical to semiconductor manufacturing processes, particularly in plasma etching, by acquiring advanced optical frequency comb diagnostics. This procurement is vital for improving the correlation between reactor inputs and etching outcomes, thereby facilitating the development of next-generation plasma etching processes. Interested manufacturers are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant product information to Tracy Retterer at tracy.retterer@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov, with responses preferred before the closing date, as this notice is for market research purposes only and does not guarantee a contract award.
    Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb Systems to support its CHIPS Metrology Program's Grand Challenge 1. NIST requires three systems for applications in broadband spectroscopy, spectral reference databases, and new laser diagnostics in semiconductor processes, along with an additional system to fill a critical gap in long-wave infrared spectroradiometry and molecular spectroscopy for the space, defense, and satellite industries. Interested vendors are invited to provide information regarding their capabilities, including product specifications, customization options, and available services, while ensuring that proprietary information is not disclosed. Responses should be submitted via email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov, as NIST seeks to gather market insights to inform future procurement decisions.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Pump Suppression Module
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire a Pump Suppression Module essential for a new Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) spectrometer as part of its CHIPS project. This module is critical for accurately measuring magnetic materials parameters, which directly supports advancements in magnetic random-access memories (MRAM) and enhances the semiconductor industry's product reliability and performance. The procurement is intended to be fulfilled by Light Machinery, Inc., the only vendor identified that meets the stringent specifications required for the module, including a suppression capability of at least 60 dB and high transmission rates. Interested parties must submit their responses by August 1, 2025, to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Interferometry Laser - Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a sources sought notice for a tunable laser, specifically a 780 nm laser, as part of its CHIPS R&D Program. The laser is required for mass sensing experiments related to atomic layer deposition processes critical in semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to enhance measurement capabilities and optimize fabrication yields. NIST intends to issue a sole source award to Toptica Photonics Inc if no other capable sources are identified, with responses due to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov. This procurement is essential for meeting project milestones by early FY26, and interested parties are encouraged to respond with detailed capabilities and specifications.
    Motorized Positioners
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking responses to a Sources Sought notice for the procurement of motorized positioners to enhance their wafer probing systems. The specific requirements include two motorized linear translation stages: one horizontal with a travel range of at least 75 mm and a minimum incremental movement of 20 nm, and one vertical with a travel range of at least 20 mm, also with a minimum incremental movement of 20 nm. These positioners are critical for characterizing high-frequency microelectronic devices under the CHIPS Act program, supporting advancements in semiconductor technology. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including company details and capabilities, to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov, by the deadline for questions on December 12, 2025. This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals or a commitment to award a contract.
    Sole Source Justification - Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to procure a Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System through a sole source justification. This procurement aims to acquire specialized laboratory equipment and supplies that are critical for advancing research and development in precision measurement and metrology. The system is essential for various scientific applications, including spectroscopy and telecommunications, where high precision is required. Interested parties can reach out to Daniel Kent at daniel.kent@nist.gov or call 303-497-6533 for further information regarding this opportunity.
    Commercial semi-automatic probe stations
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking responses to a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of a commercial semi-automatic probe station. This equipment is essential for conducting reliability testing on silicon carbide field effect transistors (FETs), which are increasingly used in high-power semiconductor applications across various industries, including electric vehicles and energy storage. The probe station must meet specific technical requirements, including the capability to probe 300 mm wafers, accommodate small pad sizes, and include features such as a heated wafer chuck and a digital microscope. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including company details and relevant experience, to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov by December 12, 2025, for consideration in NIST's market research efforts.