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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for AI Model Hosting and Inference services. This market research aims to identify capable contractors for providing open-weight AI model hosting and inference to support NIST's CAISI program in evaluating frontier AI systems for national security risks. Responses are due by March 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST is seeking information from vendors capable of providing comprehensive open-weight AI model hosting and inference services. Key requirements include:
- Quick-turn hosting: Support for newly-released models within days.
- Accurate inference: Configured for reasoning and tool calling performance, with validation checklists.
- Automatic and rapid inference scaling: Ability to scale inference usage without advance capacity reservation.
- Extensive model hosting: Host a large selection of models by default and quickly host on-demand open-weight models.
- Data retention: No retention of inference data.
- Reliability: High uptime for inference services.
- Cost-effectiveness: Pricing in line with typical industry standards.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (NIST-CAISI-26-SS01)
- 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 to determine potential set-asides)
- Response Due: March 10, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: February 24, 2026
- Anticipated Acquisition: RFQ in Q2 FY2026, contract award by Q3 FY2026.
Market Research Objectives
This notice aims 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 gathered will inform acquisition strategy decisions, including potential set-aside determinations.
Response Instructions
Interested parties must submit a written capability statement via email to donald.graham@nist.gov. The statement should address:
- Company details (name, address, UEI, CAGE, POC).
- Business size and socio-economic status.
- Relevant company capabilities.
- Prior experience with similar services.
- Applicable contract vehicles (e.g., GSA FSS, GWACs).
- Any other relevant market research information. Submission Format: Microsoft Word, 12-page limit, Times New Roman 11-point font, 1-inch margins.