CHIPS Permittivity coupons and on-wafer calibration standards – Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for permittivity coupons and on-wafer calibration standards. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Mosaic Microsystems LLC if no other capable sources are identified. Responses are due by May 14, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires high purity fused silica coupons and wafer fabrication services to build a collection of standard reference materials (SRMs). These SRMs will enable traceable complex measurement and on-wafer traceability for S-parameters, power, and phase. Key deliverables include:
- Wafers for NIST wafer-level calibration kits: 20-55 units (150 mm, 150 um thick, high purity fused silica, with specific processing like laser cutting, stealth dicing, and glass debonding).
- Standard reference material permittivity coupons: 30-70 units of 150 um, 5 units of 160 um, and 5 units of 140 um (200 mm, high purity fused silica, laser cutting/healing etch).
- Exploratory standard reference material microstrip calibration kits: 5-10 units (150 mm, high purity fused silica, with NIST-provided layout, backside metallization, consulting, process development, and various mask/etch steps).
- Optional items: Additional wafers, 150 um coupons, and exploratory coplanar waveguide calibration kits.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS: 334413 (Semiconductor Manufacturing)
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified (intent to sole source)
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: April 30, 2026
Market Research & Intent
NIST conducted market research from November 2025 to April 2026 and concluded that only Mosaic Microsystems LLC appears capable of meeting the requirements. This notice serves to identify any other potential sources.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should provide:
- Company details (name, address, contact, email, phone, UEI).
- Capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's minimum requirements.
- Evidence of authorized reseller status (if applicable).
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- Small business status.
- Alternative NAICS code suggestions.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other relevant contract numbers.
- Firm's experience (prime, sub, consultant) with similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information.
- Indication of interest in engaging for further understanding.
Additional Notes
This is for market research and planning purposes only and is not a request for quotation or a commitment to award a contract. NIST is not responsible for response costs. Questions must be submitted within 5 days of posting to the primary and secondary contacts.