WR4 On-Wafer Probes

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting quotations for four WR4 On-Wafer Probes to support load-pull measurements at 220 GHz through Request for Quotation (RFQ) NB672030-26-00446. These commercial instruments must operate across the 170 to 260 GHz frequency range with a 50 micrometer GSG tip configuration, integrate a bias tee, and demonstrate probe-tip return loss performance of less than -4 dB maximum between 100 MHz and 100 GHz. Evaluation will be based primarily on non-price factors, including the contractor's technical understanding of requirements, demonstrated capability to meet contractual obligations, expertise, and ability to perform successfully, with price evaluated only for reasonableness; offerors must submit technical capability documentation not exceeding six single-sided pages and must provide country of origin/manufacture, Export Control Numbers, SAM.gov registration proof with valid Unique Entity ID, and firm fixed pricing with Net 30 payment terms. The solicitation was posted on January 30, 2026, with a response deadline of February 11, 2026, and an amendment providing vendor Q&As was posted on February 9, 2026. This is an unrestricted procurement with no set-aside designations and falls under NAICS code 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals).

No specific budget or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents, though the total value line item remains blank pending vendor quotations. The procurement requires delivery to NIST-Boulder at 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305 under firm-fixed-price terms with FOB Destination, with acceptance not expected to exceed seven business days. Quotations must be submitted electronically to Clifford Nicholson, Contract Specialist, at clifford.nicholson@nist.gov by the February 11, 2026 deadline. Vendors must possess an active Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and maintain active SAM.gov registration at the time of award. The amendment posted on February 9, 2026 clarified that pad metals are typically either gold-based or aluminum-based, addressing vendor concerns regarding tip material selection, with no current incumbents or potential contractors identified in the solicitation materials.