NIST NB688000-26-02193 EIMAC Vacuum Tubes

The National Institute of Standards and Technology intends to solicit EIMAC vacuum tubes for WWV and WWVB transmitter operations, with a sources-sought response deadline of August 6, 2026. No set-aside applies. The procurement carries a sole-source indicator: Richardson Electronics LTD is currently identified as a known source, though NIST states this does not constitute a commitment to sole-source and will pursue competitive acquisition if alternative sources demonstrate capability.

The requirement specifies three EIMAC tube models with no substitutions permitted: one 4-400C unit, two 4CX5000A units, and two 4CX15000A units. Warranty terms are tiered by model—4-400C carries 12 months or 3,500 hours (prorated); 4CX5000A carries 12 months or 10,000 hours (prorated); and 4CX15000A carries 12 months or 5,000 hours (prorated). Delivery must occur within two weeks after receipt of order, with direct delivery to NIST building via UPS or FedEx; tubes arrive in one or two boxes without dock requirements.

Interested parties must submit voluntary responses to the sources-sought notice via email in Word, PDF, or Excel format. Responses should include company information (name, address, website, UEI, POC, size status, SAM.gov registration), feedback on requirements clarity and competitiveness, product specifications including OEM and country of manufacture, standard commercial pricing and terms, FAR Clause 52.219-14 compliance confirmation, and details of existing governmentwide contract vehicles. Responses do not obligate award or compensation and will not satisfy any subsequent solicitation.