Replacement High-Performance Cesium Beam Tube for 5071A Frequency Standard

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (NB688000-26-01570) for commercial items, specifically a replacement high-performance 5071A cesium beam tube. It is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued under FAR Overhaul, Part 12, and is set aside for small businesses, with NAICS code 334515. Offerors must submit quotations on company letterhead, including technical capability, firm fixed pricing (FOB Destination to NIST in Boulder, CO), payment terms (Net 30), delivery within 24 weeks ARO, country of origin, and an active SAM Unique Entity ID. Technical and price quotations must be separate, with technical submissions providing evidence to meet requirements, not just statements. Foreign-manufactured products require identification of tariffs. Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote, assessing technical capability (Acceptable/Unacceptable) and price reasonableness. Numerous FAR and CAR provisions and clauses are incorporated, covering areas like small business programs, Buy American, DEI discrimination, and specific invoicing and performance instructions for NIST. All communications must include the solicitation number and quotations are due electronically to deionne.jones@nist.gov.

NIST's PML/688.40/Time Realization and Distribution lab requires a replacement high-performance cesium beam tube for a 5071A frequency standard. This is essential for maintaining the UTC(NIST) time and frequency standard. The tube must be new, electrically and mechanically compatible with the 5071A, and meet specific frequency stability requirements (<= 5e-12 at 1 second and <= 1e-14 at 30 days averaging intervals). NIST will handle the installation. An optional, separately priced service for recycling the old cesium beam tube is also requested. Delivery of the goods, installation, and any training must be completed no later than 24 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO). Planned government acceptance testing is set for 7 business days.