Twenty-seven (27) semirigid cables, two (2) VNA test cables, ten (10) flexible cables
ID: NIST-SS26-CHIPS-27Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for the procurement of twenty-seven (27) semirigid cables, two (2) VNA test cables, and ten (10) flexible cables. These cables are critical for the automated measurement of NIST's standard reference materials related to complex permittivity, supporting the NIST CHIPS program. The sources sought notice outlines specific technical requirements for each cable type, including dimensions, frequency ranges, and connector specifications, and emphasizes that this inquiry is for market research purposes only, with no commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Interested vendors should provide their company information, product details, and pricing to the primary contact, Elizabeth Timberlake, at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov, or the secondary contact, Donald Collie, at donald.collie@nist.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NIST-SS26-CHIPS-27 is a sources sought notice from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify potential sources for commercial semirigid, VNA test, and flexible cables. These cables are essential for enabling automated measurement of NIST's standard reference materials for complex permittivity, supporting the NIST CHIPS program. The notice details specific technical requirements for each cable type, including length, frequency range, connector types, and other features. Respondents are requested to provide company information, product details with technical specifications, manufacturing origin, customization capabilities, and pricing. The notice emphasizes that this is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.
    Similar Opportunities
    2 Directional Couplers
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from industry sources regarding the procurement of two high-power dual directional couplers. These couplers are essential for measuring high-power RF waveforms, which are critical in semiconductor plasma processing, impacting the quality of semiconductor chips. NIST aims to close the measurement gap in high-power waveform metrology, with supplies anticipated to be required by June 1, 2026. Interested parties should submit their responses by December 8, 2025, to Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov and Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov, adhering to specified submission guidelines.
    Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb
    Buyer not available
    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.
    Sources Sought Notice for Amplifier
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a sources sought notice to identify potential sources for an amplifier required for their Absolute Magnetometer system. The amplifier must meet specific technical specifications, including a bandwidth from DC to at least 250 kHz, an output voltage of 0 to 250 VRMS, and a power rating of at least 12 kW, among other requirements. This equipment is critical for the development of standard reference materials for magnetic moment, which are essential for various applications in government, industry, and academia, particularly in the fields of next-generation memory and computing. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including company details and product specifications, to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, ensuring they are registered and active in SAM.gov.
    Sources Sought Notice for Coupled Device Detector Camera System
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding a Coupled Device Detector Camera System through a sources sought notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-25). This procurement aims to support the CHIPS RF Waveform and Rapid Frequency Comb Diagnostics for Plasma Etching Project, which focuses on enhancing plasma etching efficiencies via in situ optical diagnostics. The required system includes an intensified electron multiplication charge coupled device (IEMCCD) camera with specific technical specifications, including ultra-low noise, high gain, and fast optical emission spectroscopy capabilities. Interested parties should provide detailed company information, product specifications, and performance capabilities, and may contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov for further inquiries.
    Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System
    Buyer not available
    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 a MIR Camera
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-23) to identify potential sources for a mid-infrared camera and associated lenses. This equipment is critical for the Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes Project, which aims to develop and validate digital twin models for atomic layer deposition processes, requiring high sensitivity and rapid imaging capabilities across the mid-infrared spectral region. Interested vendors are requested to provide detailed company information, product specifications, customization capabilities, and pricing by December 15, 2025, to assist in market research for this procurement. For further inquiries, respondents may contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov.
    System upgrades for Magneto-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking sources for system upgrades to its magneto-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy instrument, which is essential for evaluating 2D and wide band gap materials in the semiconductor industry. The procurement includes a new magnet power supply, a service contract, and compatible components such as low-temperature compatible, long working distance apochromatic objectives, titanium sample holders, and titanium screws for mounting electrical devices. These upgrades are critical for analyzing optical spectroscopy responses under magnetic fields at cryogenic temperatures. Interested vendors should contact Junee Johnson at junee.johnson@nist.gov for further details, as this notice serves market research purposes and does not guarantee a contract award.
    Sources Sought Notice for CHIPS High-Throughput High-Resolution X-ray Laminography/Tomography System for Advanced Packaged Semiconductor Devices and Substrates
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a high-throughput high-resolution X-ray laminography/tomography system aimed at advancing semiconductor device manufacturing. The system is required to provide non-destructive three-dimensional imaging with specific performance criteria, including a resolution of 1 µm and a scan speed of at least 0.5 mm³/min, to support critical metrology gaps in the semiconductor ecosystem. This procurement is vital for enhancing metrology capabilities within the CHIPS Metrology program, which collaborates with various stakeholders in the semiconductor industry. Interested vendors should respond with detailed information about their capabilities and products by contacting Tracy Retterer or Donald Collie via email, as there is no solicitation available at this time, and responses are due as soon as possible.
    Environmental test chamber
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding the procurement of an Environmental Test Chamber and a Water Recirculation System as part of a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-29). The Environmental Test Chamber must meet specific requirements, including a workspace of over 1.5 cubic feet, a temperature range of -35°C to +175°C, and humidity control between 10%-95% RH, among other technical specifications, to support metrology research for semiconductor device manufacturing. This procurement is crucial for evaluating materials used in semiconductor devices, thereby enhancing device reliability and performance. Interested parties should submit their responses, including company information and product specifications, to Junee Johnson at junee.johnson@nist.gov, as this notice is for market research purposes and no solicitation is currently available.
    Amended Sources Sought Notice for a Ultra-High Vacuum Sample Backout Chamber
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from potential providers for an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) sample backout chamber, which is essential for the CHIPS R&D project aimed at testing materials for UHV compatibility in the U.S. semiconductor industry. This Sources Sought Notice is part of market research to inform future procurement strategies and does not constitute a solicitation; NIST is looking for company summaries that include size status under NAICS code 334516 and confirmation of active registration on sam.gov. Responses to this notice, which has been extended to December 12, 2025, should be submitted via email and must not exceed ten pages, with no guarantee of contract award or responses to inquiries regarding market research results. Interested parties can contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov for further information.