Cesium Beam Atomic Clock
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, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential vendors capable of providing a Cesium beam atomic clock. This market research aims to determine the acquisition method and potential small business set-aside opportunities. Responses are due by May 14, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NIST seeks information from firms that can supply a Cesium beam atomic clock (Quantity: 1) to meet specific technical and performance requirements. This is a market research tool, not a request for quotation or proposals, and does not commit the Government to an award. The information gathered will inform future acquisition strategies.
The required Cesium beam atomic clock must meet detailed specifications, including:
- Performance: Short-term and long-term stability (Allan Deviation), output signal frequencies (5 MHz and 10 MHz), and a pulse-per-second (PPS) signal.
- Power: AC input (120V or 208V, 60 Hz), 24V DC auxiliary power acceptance, and a battery backup of at least 30 minutes or external battery pack connection. Power consumption must be less than 100 W.
- Interface: Digital system control and monitor interface (serial, Ethernet, or similar), and a digital interface for precision frequency adjustment and status reporting.
- Physical & Environmental: Compatibility with EIA-compliant racks (width < 482.6 mm), operation within 15°C – 45°C, with specified temperature coefficient and magnetic field sensitivity.
- Reliability: Demonstrated Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) greater than 10 years.
- Ancillary Services: Requirements cover planning, shipping, installation, warranty, training, inspection, and maintenance.
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Contract Specialist de Ionne Jones at deionne.jones@nist.gov. Responses should include:
- Name of the company providing and manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets demonstrating experience and product compliance.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing specifications. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered. Proprietary information should be marked.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS: 334519 - Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 600 employees)
- Set-Aside: To be determined based on market research; all small business set-aside categories will be considered. NIST encourages responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: May 4, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only. No solicitation is currently available, and no quotes will be accepted. The Government will not pay for information received. The results will help NIST determine the acquisition method and whether a small business set-aside is appropriate.