NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Automated Waveguide Passive Tuner
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- NB305000-25-00737
- Agency
-
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Maryland 20899, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source a procurement for an Automated Waveguide Passive Tuner. The notice specifically targets the acquisition of one (1) specialized tuner for NIST's Radio Frequency Division, with a focus on high-frequency transistor characterization. The procurement is being conducted under the statutory authority of 41 USC 3304(a)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b), with Maury Microwave identified as the sole manufacturer meeting the precise technical requirements. The notice was posted on January 24, 2025, with a response deadline of February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The acquisition falls under NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
The primary objective of this Special Notice is to support the goals of the CHIPS and Science Act by acquiring a highly specialized waveguide passive tuner with specific technical specifications. Contractors interested in responding must provide written documentation demonstrating their capability to meet the detailed requirements, which include an automated tuner compatible with the Vertigo system, operating in the WR4.3 [170-260] GHz frequency range, with specific performance metrics such as insertion-loss not exceeding 1.2 dB and ability to handle 10 W of continuous wave RF power. Market research conducted in November 2024 determined Maury Microwave as the sole manufacturer meeting these specifications. Interested parties must submit their responses via email to designated NIST contacts before the specified deadline. The government retains sole discretion in determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement, and this notice is not a request for quotations but an opportunity for potential contractors to demonstrate their capabilities. Responses will be considered exclusively for determining procurement approach.
Notice text
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with Maury Microwave, 2900 Inland Empire BLVD Ontario, California, 91764-4804, for the purchase of one (1) Automated Waveguide Passive Tuner to be utilized by NIST’s Radio Frequency Division. The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 USC 3304(a)(1); FAR 13.106-1(b).
***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire a quantity of one (1) automated passive tuner that 1) is waveguide WR4.3 [170-260] GHz connectorized, 2) is an add-on to/compatible with the Vertigo system, 3) is driven and automated by the Vertigo “MMW-Studio” software to enable passive (and hybrid) load-pull measurement and 4) meets the technical specifications described below. This solution is intended to be used for the characterization of high-frequency transistors under large-signal and load conditions to support the goals of the CHIPS and Science Act.
Minimum Requirements:
Description: WR4.3 automated passive tuner
Quantity: 1
- Technical Specifications
- Must be an automated (not manual) tuner (Ethernet or USB)
- Add-on to the Vertigo system and fully driven by the “mmw-studio” software only to enable passive and hybrid load-pull measurement.
- Frequency of operation: rectangular waveguide WR4.3 [1170-260] GHz
- Insertion-loss must in a 50 ohm-load condition must not exceed 1.2 dB.
- Must handle a minimum RF power of 10 W (CW)
- The vector repeatability of the tuner must not exceed -40 dB
- Must present a minimum reflection coefficient of 0.88 across frequency and over 360 degrees.
Market Research was conducted in November 2024, including internet searches, searches of GSA and Thomas Register, and reviewing company websites. This market research determined that Maury Microwave is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets the required minimum specifications.
*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516– Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
*****A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
*****No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. Interested parties that believe they can satisfy the requirements listed above must identify their capability in writing before the response date of this notice. Only responses received by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 07, 2025 will be considered by the government. Responses shall be submitted via email to jenna.bortner@nist.gov or forest.crumpler@nist.gov.
Contracting Office Address:
100 Bureau Drive
Bldg. 301, Mail Stop 1640
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calibration Kit Radio Frequency | Naval Sea Systems Command | No set-aside | |
| Intent to Sole Source: AFIT - High Finesse WS8-2 Wavemeter | AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB | No set-aside | |
| Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System | National Institute of Standards and Technology | No set-aside | |
| Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb | National Institute of Standards and Technology | No set-aside | |
| Microwave Analyzer | Office of Naval Research | Total Small Business |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity