Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program
ID: 1333ND25QNB770146Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

PSC

EDUCATION/TRAINING- GENERAL (U009)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/552f7c0787914fb280207d0f0076b803/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking proposals for computer-based testing services related to its Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP). The contractor will be responsible for administering competency exams at NVLAP-accredited laboratories, ensuring secure testing environments, validating candidates' identities, and managing logistics for test administration. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the security of cryptographic systems used by federal agencies, thereby contributing to national security. Interested parties must submit their quotes by 10 AM ET on May 12, 2025, and can contact Jennifer Lohmeier at jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov or Hing Pan Wong at hingpan.wong@nist.gov for further information.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment A_PWS 1333ND25QNB770146.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a solicitation for the administration of computer-based competency exams related to its Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP). The program mandates that federal agencies utilize validated cryptographic modules to protect sensitive information. The contractor will be responsible for publishing and administering exams to testers at NVLAP accredited laboratories, including ensuring secure testing environments, validating candidates’ identities, and protecting exam content. Key tasks include creating candidate instructions, managing testing logistics, and capturing secure test results, which will solely be shared with NIST. The contract period includes a base year and an optional extension, with specific deliverables outlined regarding test administration, exam maintenance, and project management. A detailed list of NVLAP accredited laboratories highlights the global reach required for testing locations. The project aims to enhance the security of cryptographic systems used by federal agencies, thus contributing to national security and trust in cryptographic implementations.
    Attachment B_Clauses Instructions and Evaluation Criteria.pdf
    This document provides a detailed Request for Quotations (RFQ) for the acquisition of commercial products and services by a government agency, applying Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines. It outlines the submission process, including instructions for potential offerors to prepare and submit their quotes electronically, adhering to specified formats and deadlines. Notable sections include a reminder that quotes must be clear and responsive and that the contracting officer holds the sole authority to commit federal funds. The RFQ specifies three volumes: a Technical Quote (Volume I), which assesses the offeror’s understanding and technical approach; Past Performance (Volume II), detailing relevant past contracts; and a Price Quote (Volume III), including a detailed price breakdown. Evaluation will prioritize technical merit over price, employing a best-value, trade-off methodology. The document also includes provisions for amendments, inquiries, and compliance with federal regulations. Furthermore, there are strict guidelines for security processing requirements during contract execution. This RFQ highlights the government’s structured approach to solicitations, aiming to ensure compliant, high-quality services while managing taxpayer funds responsibly.
    RFQ_Combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking proposals for computer-based testing services in a combined solicitation that adheres to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This project, classified under NAICS Code 611710, has an unrestricted solicitation process open to all qualified offerors. The anticipated contract will be a Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order with a base period of 12 months, starting in May 2025, and an option for an additional 12-month period. Offerors are required to provide pricing for two line items: one for the base period and another for the option period. Services must be rendered at testing centers near NVLAP-accredited laboratories worldwide, which include locations across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The proposal document includes detailed attachments outlining the performance work statement and clauses relevant to the solicitation process, guiding prospective contractors on requirements, instructions, and evaluation criteria for submissions. This initiative highlights NIST's focus on improving educational support through effective assessment services in various global regions.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program
    Currently viewing
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Optical Microscope
    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 an Optical Microscope. The primary objective is to support the NIST CHIPS Metrology R&D program, which focuses on nondestructive defect detection metrology for semiconductor advanced packaging, requiring a microscope capable of various imaging modes and equipped with advanced features for precision measurements. This procurement is critical for enhancing the accuracy of defect detection in semiconductor failure analysis, with a focus on characterizing defects through precise optical measurements. Interested vendors should submit their capabilities and relevant information to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov by December 15, 2025, while noting that this notice does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.
    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 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.
    CHIPS R&D: Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber– Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure an Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber to support its CHIPS Metrology program, which focuses on the reliability of materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging. The chamber must meet specific technical requirements, including a temperature range of -100 °C to 200 °C and a cycling rate of at least 70 °C/min, to facilitate accelerated aging experiments on polymeric components. This procurement is critical for enhancing metrology capabilities within the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, and interested vendors are encouraged to respond with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Tracy Retterer, at tracy.retterer@nist.gov, by the specified deadline.
    ASTM CUSTOMIZED COMPASS PORTAL SUBSCRIPTION
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate a sole source contract for the renewal of the customized COMPASS portal subscription with ASTM, located in West Conshohocken, PA. This subscription provides access to a comprehensive collection of standards, including the Complete 15 volume Book of Standards, various Digital Library content, and selected European Normative Standards, ISO, and IEC Standards. The procurement is critical as ASTM is the sole provider of these services, holding exclusive rights to the content and archives, and no competitive proposals will be solicited. Interested parties may express their interest and capability via email to Randy E. Schroyer at randy.schroyer@nist.gov by 5:00 PM EST on December 26, 2024, with a firm fixed-price purchase order expected to be issued around January 27, 2025, for a one-year period with four additional one-year options.
    Multiple-Award Architect-Engineer Services
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified architect-engineer firms to provide multiple-award A-E services for its facilities located in Colorado and Hawaii. The procurement aims to secure professional services for design, renovation, and construction projects, including specialized areas such as scientific research laboratories and hazardous material remediation, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) disciplines. This initiative is crucial for maintaining and enhancing NIST's operational capabilities across approximately 30 buildings, totaling around 650,000 square feet, which house various scientific and administrative functions. Interested firms must submit their responses by January 16, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Julie Morris at julie.morris@nist.gov or by phone at 303-497-6504.
    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.
    Solicitation - CUP - Two-Phase Design-Build Acquisition for Modernization and Expansion of Central Utility Plant
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking qualified contractors for a Two-Phase Design-Build Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC) aimed at the modernization and expansion of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. The project encompasses a comprehensive range of design-build services, including program management, construction, and project closeout, with a focus on enhancing utility capacity and reliability while minimizing disruption to ongoing campus operations. This initiative is critical for upgrading essential infrastructure, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and supporting NIST's mission for sustainable and efficient utility management. Interested parties should contact Brandon Butler at brandon.butler@nist.gov or Teresa Harris at teresa.harris@nist.gov for further details, and are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates and amendments to the solicitation, which is currently in draft form.
    Robotic Arms
    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 robotic arms and associated equipment. The requirement includes four collaborative robotic arms with a 600 mm reach, a mountable smart camera, various grippers, and a professional license for RoboDK software, all intended for use in manufacturing complex permittivity standards up to 330 GHz. This initiative supports the NIST CHIPS program, which aims to enhance measurement practices and algorithms for complex permittivity and on-wafer measurements. 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 17, 2025. Please note that this notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals or 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.