Automated Equipment for Fiber Power Meter Calibration

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a civilian agency under the Department of Commerce, is seeking quotations for one integrated automated equipment system for fiber power meter calibration to replace over 20-year-old instrumentation as part of an Optical Fiber Modernization effort. The system must include a 3x1 fiber switch, 2x1 fiber switch, 2 optical shutters, and 2 optical attenuators configured in a compact mainframe with SMF-28 fiber and FC/APC connections, capable of operating across the 1260-1650 nm wavelength range with insertion losses under 8 dB and controllable via LabVIEW or Python software through a single GPIB connection. This is an unrestricted procurement conducted under FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method, meaning technical capability will be evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis before price is considered. Quotations must be submitted electronically to deionne.jones@nist.gov by April 1, 2026, and must include a price quotation, technical quotation with product literature and drawings, and completed representations and certifications; quotations will remain valid for 90 days from the due date.

This procurement has no set-aside designation and no incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation documents. The contract will be awarded as a Purchase Order on a firm fixed-price basis with payment of 100 percent upon installation, acceptance, successful completion of testing, and demonstration of performance compliance, with Net 30-day payment terms. The equipment must be newly manufactured (not used or remanufactured), capable of tolerating 50 mW input power, and include installation, warranty, and training within the scope of work, with a minimum 1-year warranty commencing upon Government acceptance. Delivery is required within three months after receipt of order on a FOB Destination basis to NIST's facility at 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, although the place of performance notes Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory in Ohio as an initial location. The NAICS classification is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees, and the PSC category is 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies).