Sources Sought - Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
A newer solicitation was posted. See the latest solicitation from .
- Solicitation number
- NB672010-26-01408
- Agency
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334515 Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
- Place of performance
- Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Daniel Kent daniel.kent@nist.gov (303) 497-6533
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement to identify vendors capable of providing Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers compatible with VDI extender heads (WR6, WR5, and WR3 models). This is not a Request for Quotation and does not commit the government to award a contract, but rather serves as a preliminary market assessment tool prior to formal solicitation. Key technical specifications include a frequency range of 100 kHz to 22 GHz, dynamic range of 133 dB at 10 Hz IFBW, output power of -60 dBm to 15 dBm, and CW frequency accuracy of 1 ppm. Vendors must possess an active Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at the time of award. The response deadline for this Sources Sought announcement is April 29, 2026, with recent Q&A clarifications posted on April 24, 2026 regarding frequency specifications and VDI module compatibility details.
This procurement is not restricted to any specific business size category, as NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources including large businesses, small businesses, disadvantaged small businesses, women-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses. However, if at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research phase that meet the specifications, the subsequent formal solicitation will be set aside for small business competition. The requirement is classified under NAICS code 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals) with a small business size standard of 750 employees. NIST requires three VNA Extender Head Drivers with delivery to be completed within 24 weeks after order release to NIST-Boulder. Acceptance and inspection will occur on-site at NIST Boulder, with acceptance timelines expected to exceed seven business days but not exceed 14 days, and manufacturers must provide a base warranty of one year covering labor, parts, and return costs.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
4/24/26 - Q&A:
Q: “Potential typo in NB672010-26-01408. In Specification 1.1 Frequency range 100kHz to 22 GHz. Should it state instead 220GHz?”
A: While the exact upper frequency range might not be correct, the extender head driver has some elements of VNA but it is not a VNA by itself. The extender head driver is only a VNA when combined with extender heads. As such it only has sources up 22 GHz (potentially up to 26.5 GHz).
Q: "Can you please provide the model and serial number of the VDI modules so we can determine compatibility with our VNA’s?"
A: “The extender heads are VDI. They are WR6, WR5, and WR3 VDI extender heads. Exact serial numbers are not providable at this time because they have not been delivered.”
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Acquisition Management Division
Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.
It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition.
The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers per the Specifications attached herein.
This announcement is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicitation is currently available. Additionally, The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation.
Based on this Sources Sought announcement, NIST may conduct a competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) website and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfil the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside. However, NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB). This requirement is assigned NAICS 334515 – Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals with a small business size standard of 750 employees.
Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirement should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to five (5) pages or less. Responses should include the following information:
1. Company Profile to include number of employees, office location(s), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and Cage Code.
2. Name of company that will provide the product.
3. Name of company that will manufacture and country of origin of the product.
4. Specification sheets and examples of products that meet the Specifications attached herein.
5. Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of award to include installation time and any necessary training that is provided.
6. Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.
7. Any other relevant information that is not listed above which the Government should consider in developing our requirement and finalizing our market research.
(Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered).
REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW:
See the attached Specifications document.
Update #1 ·
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Acquisition Management Division
Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.
It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition.
The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers per the Specifications attached herein.
This announcement is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicitation is currently available. Additionally, The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation.
Based on this Sources Sought announcement, NIST may conduct a competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) website and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfil the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside. However, NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB). This requirement is assigned NAICS 334515 – Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals with a small business size standard of 750 employees.
Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirement should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to five (5) pages or less. Responses should include the following information:
1. Company Profile to include number of employees, office location(s), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and Cage Code.
2. Name of company that will provide the product.
3. Name of company that will manufacture and country of origin of the product.
4. Specification sheets and examples of products that meet the Specifications attached herein.
5. Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of award to include installation time and any necessary training that is provided.
6. Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.
7. Any other relevant information that is not listed above which the Government should consider in developing our requirement and finalizing our market research.
(Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered).
REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW:
See the attached Specifications document.
Attachments
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment 1 - Specifications Draft.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation- Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers | Solicitation | |
| Sources Sought - Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers | Pre-Solicitation |
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