The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks to enhance its Fundamentals of Laser-Matter Interaction (FLaMI) testbed by acquiring custom infrared lenses tailored for high-resolution imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectra. This upgrade aims to ensure NIST remains competitive in the evolving field of metals-based additive manufacturing (AM). The contractor is required to deliver ten custom lenses, with a warranty aligning with standard industry practices. Shipment must be completed within ten weeks to a specified NIST address, with access restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Inspections will ensure compliance with specifications, and any defective or nonconforming items can be rejected, necessitating repairs or replacements at no cost to the government. Payment will be made on a net 30-day basis following delivery and acceptance of the products, which underscores the importance of timely and accurate fulfillment of the contract. This procurement highlights NIST's commitment to advancing research in measurement science through the integration of innovative optical components.
The document outlines the applicable provisions and clauses, following Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-04 from June 11, 2025, for a solicitation. It includes solicitation provisions incorporated by reference, requiring offerors to familiarize themselves with specific regulations and complete necessary representations regarding their compliance. Key provisions address restrictions on contracting with entities requiring confidentiality agreements, requirements for registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), and certifications regarding telecommunications equipment usage, tax liabilities, and criminal convictions. Notably, offerors must affirmatively state their corporate status concerning various regulations, including engagement in activities related to Iran and the use of covered telecommunications equipment. Additionally, the document specifies representation requirements based on factors such as business size, ownership, and partnerships, aligning with federal guidelines for fair competition and reporting. The overall purpose is to ensure due diligence in contractor selection and compliance with federal regulations.
The document is a series of questions and answers related to Solicitation No. NIST-RFQ-25-7301372 for custom mid-infrared lenses. It clarifies that this is a new contract with no incumbent and is considered a one-time requirement. The lenses are of U.S. origin and are not subject to ITAR or EAR regulations, indicating that they are not defense articles or dual-use products. The lenses will be utilized for in-situ NIR and SWIR thermography visualizations of melting scenes, with minimal exposure to scattered laser light, yet will not serve as high-power laser optics. Additionally, the lenses will not be exported to any countries. This information is crucial for potential contractors interested in bidding for the project, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while detailing the intended use of the lenses. The document underscores the federal government's process in managing specific procurement requests and outlines the project's parameters clearly to assist interested parties in understanding their obligations and the project's scope.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ No. NIST-RFQ-25-7301372) to procure custom mid-infrared lenses for upgrading its Fundamentals of Laser-Matter Interaction (FLaMI) testbed, which focuses on advancing measurement science in metals-based additive manufacturing. The procurement is set aside exclusively for small businesses under the NAICS code 333310. The successful bidder must provide high-resolution imaging optics for near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) applications, with a firm fixed-price contract anticipated. Quotations are due electronically by June 26, 2025, and must demonstrate the bidder’s technical capability and delivery capacity. A two-volume submission is required: one outlining technical specifications and the second detailing price quotations for various lens specifications. The government will evaluate bids based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, focusing on compliance with technical requirements and adherence to the 10-week delivery requirement. Interested parties must also be registered with SAM.gov to qualify.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ No. NIST-RFQ-25-7301372) for custom mid-infrared lenses to upgrade their Fundamentals of Laser-Matter Interaction (FLaMI) testbed systems. This solicitation is a small business set-aside under the NAICS code 333310 and encourages only small businesses to respond. The objective is to enhance the testbed’s capabilities by acquiring high-resolution optics for near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) applications.
Quotations must include both a technical response, demonstrating compliance with specified requirements, and a detailed price quotation. The delivery deadline is set for ten weeks post-order receipt, and all submissions must be sent electronically by June 26-27, 2025. Evaluations will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, where submissions are assessed on meeting technical specifications and delivery terms. This RFQ aligns with the government's pursuit of innovation in measurement science, particularly in metals-based additive manufacturing research.