BPM Cables - Flexible LMR for ALS-U

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding RFQ No.: AA-2026-05 – Flexible LMR Cable.

• Fire Rating: LBNL requires fire-rated cable, not standard cable.
• Frequency Specification: While LM-195-FR cable is rated to 8 GHz, the cable assembly requirements specify a frequency range up to 18 GHz. LBNL is open to lowering this specification to 8 GHz.
• Cable Grouping: Cables can be grouped and delivered as sets of four, with each set including one cable of each required color.
• Equivalents: LBNL is not open to equivalents for LMR cable; only LMR cable will be accepted.

All other terms and conditions of the RFQ remain the same. The Response Date is April 23, 2026.

Solicitation / RFQ

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks proposals for the supply of SR BPM flexible jumper cables. The procurement is being conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) under contract with the Department of Energy (DOE).

• Line Items 1-3: Specific quantities of "First Article" jumper cables of varying lengths (2.0FT, 2.5FT, 3.5FT).

• Line Item 4: "Production Batch" of LMR195 jumper cables, with pricing to be determined based on an options table.

• Mandatory Requirements: Offerors must certify recent direct experience (within the last 2 years) in performing similar work, the ability to meet technical and manufacturing requirements, and acceptance of the terms, conditions, and general provisions of the Sample Subcontract.

• Sustainability Requirements: Compliance with LBNL's Sustainable Acquisition Program (SAP), including reporting on recycled content, bio-based products, energy efficiency, and environmentally preferable electronics. Also requires compliance with California's In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation if applicable.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price is preferred.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but options for production batch can be exercised at any time during the subcontract period.

• Estimated Value: Not stated, but Reps & Certs form is required if quotation exceeds $150,000.

• Submission Deadline: April 23, 2026.

• Submission Method: Via email to Arielle Anoop at AAnoop@lbl.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Not explicitly detailed, but preference is given to firm fixed price quotations. Offerors must meet mandatory requirements.

• Offerors must state if they are a small business based on the provided NAICS Code (334419) and Size Standard (750).

• Attachments: Includes Sample Subcontract, SOW, SR BPM Jumper Cable ACL, Rep Certs form, and Past Performance Reference Information Form.

• Pricing: Quotes must include shipping insurance costs.

• Antitrust: Solicitation is subject to the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Acceptance Criteria List (ACL) for the "SR BPM Jumper Cable ACL" (Part Name: Flexible LMR-195). It outlines the criteria and tests required to verify the quality and specifications of the jumper cables.

• Part Name: Flexible LMR-195
• Quantity: 1,068
• Level of Care: High
• Tests to be Conducted/Verified:
  • Visual inspection: Check labeling, specifications, and for damage.
  • Length measurement: Must be within +-10 ps using TDR.
  • S21 coefficient measurement: Must be >= 0.94 and +-0.0015 at 500 MHz using VNA.
  • Connector verification: Verify connector type and termination quality using TDR.
• Supporting Document ID: AL-1881-8085
• Verifying Entity: Beam Diagnostics

This ACL details the specific quality and performance standards that the "Flexible LMR-195" jumper cables must meet. Bidders supplying these cables will need to ensure their product complies with these acceptance criteria. The document also specifies the testing procedures and required documentation for verification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Past Performance Reference Information Form" which bidders must complete for each reference contract. It is designed to collect detailed information about the offeror's past performance on previous contracts.

• Offeror Information: Name and UEI of the submitting offeror.

• Reference Contract Details: Client name, contract number, title, period of performance, contract type, total value, and value performed to date.

• Key Personnel: Contact information for the Reference Contract Client Point of Contact (including Contracting Officer or equivalent).

• Performance Details: Summary of the contract's complexity, scope, similarity to the current work, and any problems encountered and solutions.

• Safety Statistics: Information on safety records, including EMRs for the past three years for the offeror and any proposed lower-tier subcontractors. Disclosure of any OSHA or Cal-OSHA citations received within the past three years is mandatory.

• The form is limited to 3 pages per reference contract.

• Offerors may amend the format as long as the exact information, font, size, and page limitations are followed.

• Failure to disclose safety violations may result in the offer being deemed non-responsive or cause for Default.

This form is critical for bidders to demonstrate their past performance capabilities. Accurate and complete submission of this form, including detailed information on contract performance and safety records, is essential for proposal evaluation. Bidders must pay close attention to the specific data required, especially regarding safety citations and EMRs, as non-compliance can lead to disqualification.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW outlines the requirements for the procurement of critical Beam Position Monitor (BPM) jumper cable assemblies for the upgraded Storage Ring (SR) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS-U) project. These cables are essential for transmitting high-frequency signals from BPM pickups to ensure accurate beam position measurement.

• Manufacture, test, and deliver approximately 1,068 high-frequency, flexible LMR195 coaxial cable assemblies with straight angle SMA(M) connectors.

• Assemblies must meet specific project requirements including controlled impedance (50 ohms), phase matching (+-10 picoseconds), low insertion loss (S21 > 0.94 at 0.05-18 GHz), and compatibility with limited space constraints.

• Production of three cable assembly types with different lengths (2.0 ft, 2.5 ft, 3.5 ft) and an optional "Length" type.

• Sourcing and use of LMR-195 FR flexible coaxial cable and SMA(M) connectors conforming to industry standards.

• Application of heated shrink tubing for strain relief and environmental protection.

• Permanent, color-coded label sleeves on each end with item number and unique serial number.

• The document does not explicitly state a period or place of performance for the overall contract, but specifies delivery schedules for the first article and production batch.

• First Article: A first article must be produced, tested, and submitted for LBNL approval before production commences. This includes a hold period of up to 12 weeks for LBNL inspection and testing.

• Production: Production quantity and cable lengths will be determined based on first article evaluation results.

• Testing: 100% production testing is required, including visual/label inspection, length verification (TDR), S21 measurement (VNA), and connector/termination quality verification (TDR).

• Quality Assurance: Subcontractors must complete a Quality Evaluation Survey and maintain an effective QA program. Deviations and nonconformances must be reported and approved by LBNL.

• Documentation: All required documentation, QA data, certificates, test results, models, and drawings must be submitted electronically via a designated Windchill portal.

• Deliverables: 1,068 tested and accepted cable assemblies, delivered in two batches, along with test results and shipping documentation.

• Schedule: First article delivery is due within 8 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order). Production batch delivery is due within 8 weeks after first article approval and completion of the hold point.

• Labeling: Specific color-coding (Blue, Red, Green, White) and format for labels on heat shrink sleeves.

• Packaging: Standard packaging acceptable, must prevent physical damage.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a fixed-price subcontract detailing the terms and conditions for the "Subcontractor" to furnish and deliver specified items to The Regents of the University of California, operating the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) for the Department of Energy (DOE).

• Ordered Items: Specifies four line items with varying lengths (1.5FT - 2.0FT, 2.1FT - 2.5FT, 2.6FT - 3.0FT, 3.1FT - 3.5FT) for "First Article" and "Production Batch" quantities. Prices and total fixed price are listed as TBD.
• Delivery Schedule: To be expressed as a hard calendar date for each item.
• Acceptance: Based on successful completion of acceptance test criteria per the Statement of Work (SOW) AL-1881-8085 Rev. B dated March 30, 2026.
• Electrical Device Certification: Requires NRTL listing, labeling, and certification for electrical equipment.
• Notice to Proceed: Requires submission of specific documents and a Notice to Proceed (NTP) before work commences, including adherence to "Hold Points" defined in the SOW.
• Price and Payment: Total fixed price is TBD. Details on sales/use tax, invoicing procedures (email to APInvoice@lbl.gov within 30 days of acceptance), and payment terms (30 days from compliant invoice receipt) are provided.
• Options: The University may exercise options for additional quantities within 15 weeks after First Article delivery, with pricing and terms subject to modification.
• Subcontract Administration: Outlines procedures for notices, requests, and modifications, with the University Procurement Representative authorized to issue changes.
• Technical Direction: Work is subject to technical direction from the University Technical Representative, who monitors performance and clarifies technical requirements but cannot change scope, price, or schedule without modification.
• Shipping Requirements: FOB Destination, freight prepaid and add. Shipments via Subcontractor's vehicles or licensed carrier. Shipping address is Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.
• Reports: Periodic reports required as identified in the SOW.
• Approval of Technical Data: University requires 10 working days for review and approval of technical data.
• Environmentally Preferable Products: Subcontractor must specify and use environmentally preferable products and services.
• First Article Approval: First articles due within 8 weeks, with University approval/disapproval within 12 weeks.
• Incorporated Documents: Includes Statement of Work AL-1881-8085 Rev. B and General Provisions for Commercial Supplies & Services.

This document outlines the specific items to be procured, the pricing structure (fixed price, TBD), delivery expectations, acceptance criteria, and administrative/technical requirements. Bidders need to understand these details to prepare accurate proposals and ensure compliance. Key areas include the ordered items, delivery timelines, invoicing and payment terms, and the requirements for technical data, reports, and environmental compliance. The inclusion of options and the process for technical direction and modifications are also critical for understanding the potential scope and management of the subcontract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Representation & Certification Form (AA-2026-05) that must be completed, signed, and returned as part of the Offeror's proposal. It requires bidders to provide information and certifications related to various aspects of their business and compliance with federal regulations.

• Offeror Information: Legal name, TIN, UEI, parent company details, affiliates, place of performance, number of employees, type of organization (e.g., For-Profit, Corporation, LLC), and state of incorporation.
• Small Business Program Representations: Certifications regarding status as a small business, small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB), veteran-owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), 8(a) concern, HUBZone small business, and participation in Mentor-Protégé programs. Includes NAICS code (334419) and size standard (750 employees).
• Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports: Representations regarding participation in previous contracts and filing of compliance reports.
• Affirmative Action Compliance: Representations regarding the development and maintenance of affirmative action programs.
• Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements: Certification for offers over $250,000.
• Certification and Disclosure on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions: Certification regarding lobbying activities.
• Certification on Responsibility Matters: Representations concerning debarment, suspension, convictions, and delinquent Federal taxes.
• Representations by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction: Specific representations for corporate offerors.
• Information Regarding Responsibility Matters: Disclosure of past performance and integrity information in FAPIIS for contracts exceeding $10,000,000.
• Certification Regarding Tax Matters: For contracts exceeding $5,500,000, certification regarding Federal tax returns, convictions, and unpaid assessments.
• Buy American Act Certification: Certification regarding domestic end products and construction materials.
• Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software: Representation regarding the status of data and software.
• Export Controlled Item Classification: Information on export control classification for quoted products.
• Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment: Representations related to Section 889 of the NDAA.
• Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation: Further representations regarding covered telecommunications equipment and services.
• Biobased Product and Recovered Material Certification: Certification regarding the use of biobased products and recovered materials.

This form is critical for proposal submission. Bidders must accurately complete all applicable sections to demonstrate their eligibility, compliance, and status as a responsible contractor. Failure to provide accurate information or complete the form may render the offer nonresponsible. The NAICS code and size standard provided are essential for determining small business status.