AI Model Hosting and Inference
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for AI Model Hosting and Inference services. This effort supports NIST's CAISI program in evaluating frontier AI systems for national security risks. Responses are due March 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST is seeking information from contractors capable of providing open-weight AI model hosting and inference services. Key requirements include:
- Quick-turn hosting: Support newly-released models within days of availability.
- Accurate inference: Configured for accurate reasoning and tool calling, with validation checklists.
- Automatic and rapid scaling: Support high throughput and concurrency without requiring advance capacity reservation.
- Extensive model hosting: Host a large selection of models by default and on-demand.
- Data retention: No retention of inference data.
- Reliability: High uptime for inference services.
- Cost: Pricing in line with typical industry standards.
- Raw model prompting: Unfiltered API access for model prompting.
- Direct Compute Accelerator Access: Ability to access GPUs directly (bare-metal or passthrough) for arbitrary workloads.
- Security: Implementation of NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 controls, FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules, phishing-resistant MFA, and all physical infrastructure/data processing restricted to the United States. Preferred certifications include FedRAMP, SOC 2 Type 2, and CMMC Level 2.
Market Research Objectives
The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to:
- Identify responsible sources capable of performing the required services.
- Determine the availability of small businesses, including socio-economic categories.
- Assess industry experience with AI model hosting and inference services. Information received will support acquisition strategy decisions, including potential set-aside determinations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 518210 – Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Other Related Services (Small Business Size Standard: $40 Million)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage to determine small business availability)
- Response Due: March 16, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: March 10, 2026
- Anticipated Acquisition: Request for Quotation (RFQ) in Q2 FY2026, with contract award no later than Q3 FY2026.
Response Instructions
Interested parties must submit a written capability statement via email to donald.graham@nist.gov. Submissions should be in Microsoft Word format, maximum 12 pages (Times New Roman, 11-point font, 1-inch margins). Statements should address:
- Company name, address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, and point-of-contact information.
- Business size and socio-economic status (if applicable).
- Description of company capabilities relevant to the services described.
- Description of prior experience performing similar services.
- Identification of applicable contract vehicles (e.g., GSA FSS, GWACs), including contract numbers.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. No solicitation documents exist at this time.