External Hardware for ZCU-216 Boards

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting quotations for external hardware specifically designed for ZCU-216 RFSoC boards to support quantum coherence measurements at ultra-low temperatures within their Advanced Microwave Photonics Group. The procurement requires specialized enclosures and daughter boards that provide 4 output channels with DC to >1GHz frequency range, 12 output channels with 1-8GHz frequency range, and 4 input channels with 4-8GHz frequency range, all compatible with open-source QICK firmware. Contractors must demonstrate their ability to meet technical specifications, provide firm fixed pricing, and deliver complete units within eight weeks of order receipt, including physical enclosures with connector feedthrough, I/O ports for TTL signals and DACs, and all necessary connectors. The procurement will be evaluated using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, with quotations due by 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time on August 18, 2025. All quotations must be submitted electronically to lisa.stevens@nist.gov and remain valid for 90 days.

This procurement is conducted under FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures with no set-aside designation, making it unrestricted and open to all qualified contractors under NAICS code 334516 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The solicitation requires delivery of two complete units to NIST's facility at 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, with shipping FOB Destination included in the pricing. Contractors must maintain active SAM registration and provide their Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number to be eligible for award consideration. The hardware must include a two-year warranty and be subject to government acceptance testing within seven business days of delivery. Performance will take place in Boulder, Colorado, supporting NIST's mission to develop and disseminate standard practices for quantum measurement to the broader scientific community.