CHIPS R&D 67 GHz Microwave Source

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

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a 67 GHz microwave source to support research into the dynamics of piezoelectric microwave acoustic resonators. This equipment is critical for advancing measurement science in semiconductor supply chains, particularly for developing new materials, packaging, and production methods.

The contractor shall provide a new 67 GHz microwave source (signal generator) to electrically drive piezoelectric microwave acoustic resonators at frequencies up to 67 GHz. The source will be used for electrical and optical measurements to understand device dynamics, loss mechanisms, and material properties. Key capabilities include a digital display for operational parameters, a manual keypad interface, a remote control interface (USB), and upgradeable capabilities for amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation.

• RF Output Connector: 1.85 mm

• Frequency Range: 250 kHz to 67 GHz or higher

• Frequency Resolution: 0.001 Hz

• Maximum Output Power: Minimums specified at various frequencies (e.g., 23 dBm at 3 GHz, 15 dBm at 65 GHz)

• Phase Noise: Specific requirements at different offsets and frequencies (e.g., ≤ -97 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz for 10 Hz offset)

• Harmonics: ≤ -55 dBc for frequencies above 1 GHz and power < +10dBm

• Internal Reference: 10 MHz

• External Reference Input: 10 MHz

• Delivery: F.O.B Destination within three months of order placement.

• Destination: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Shipping and Receiving, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• NIST reserves the right to perform performance tests and evaluations.

• A visual inspection for defects or transport damage will be conducted.

• NIST will test, inspect, and accept or reject equipment within 10 working days of receipt.

• The contractor has the right to be present during performance tests at their expense.

• Minimum of 12 months after acceptance.

• Covers all parts and labor for repair or replacement of defective components.

• 100% payment after acceptance by the NIST Point of Contact (POC) and successful completion of testing requirements.

• Partial shipments and invoices are not accepted unless pre-approved.

• All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" items are not acceptable.

• All items must be shipped in original manufacturer packaging with original documentation and software.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The government is procuring a 67 GHz microwave source, including shipping and installation. This announcement is the only solicitation; written solicitations will not be issued.

• CLIN 0001: 67 GHz microwave source (detailed in Attachment #1: Statement of Work/Requirements Document and Drawings).

• CLIN 0002: Shipping and Installation.

• CLIN 0003: Other transportation related charges (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point are specified in the Statement of Work.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Acquisition is unrestricted competition.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations due by 11:00 AM Eastern Time, March 26, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email to tracy.retterer@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov. Reference RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrate capability, meet or exceed SOW requirements with citations, include manufacturer authorization if applicable).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, include all shipping costs, identify foreign product charges/tariffs separately, valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (complete required information, state any exceptions).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that meets all required technical specifications. Award will be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 5 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• NAICS Code: 334515 with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

• Registration: Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment.

• Provisions and clauses are in effect through the RFO (Revolutionary FAR Overhaul).

• Attachment #2 contains applicable Provisions and Clauses.

• Offerors must clearly identify any exceptions to the terms and conditions in their quotation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses into the contract. It also provides the full text for FAR 52.212-4, "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," and other relevant clauses and provisions.

• Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: Lists numerous FAR clauses (e.g., 52.203-17, 52.204-7, 52.212-1, 52.225-5) and some agency-specific clauses (e.g., 1352.201-70, 1352.209-73, 1352.209-74).
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services), detailing definitions, inspection/acceptance, changes, disputes, payment terms, termination clauses, warranty, and compliance with laws.
• Specific Provisions: Includes full text for FAR 52.225-6 (Trade Agreements Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), and FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications).
• Agency-Specific Clauses: Includes NIST local clauses related to contract performance during changes in operating status, electronic billing instructions, and invoicing processing platform.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the legal and contractual framework of the potential award. Bidders must review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their rights and obligations, including:

• Requirements for representations and certifications (e.g., SAM registration, trade agreements, place of manufacture, security prohibitions).
• Terms and conditions governing contract performance, payment, disputes, and termination.
• Specific instructions for submitting invoices and handling contract performance during NIST operational changes.
• Understanding the full text of FAR 52.212-4 is essential for commercial item procurements.