CHIPS R&D ADS and IQ Software
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 soliciting proposals for Keysight ADS and IQ Data Bandwidth software licenses to support its CHIPS R&D program in Boulder, CO. This unrestricted opportunity seeks to upgrade existing vector network analyzers for on-wafer measurement best practices and new standard reference materials. Quotes are due April 10, 2026, by 11:00 AM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NIST requires specific Keysight software licenses to enhance its CHIPS program, focusing on calibrating vector network analyzers and characterizing on-wafer power standards and device nonlinearity. The scope includes:
- Two (2) Keysight ADS licenses (Product Number W3606B), including core license, EM design, RFPro, RF Ckt Sim, floating single-site subscription, and 12 months of vendor support.
- One (1) Keysight IQ Data Bandwidth license (Product Number S93053B) up to 40 GHz, node-locked perpetual license, with 12 months of vendor support. All items must be new, in original manufacturer's packaging, and include all original documentation. Delivery is required within 8 weeks of award to NIST Boulder, CO.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - RFQ).
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS Code: 513210 (Small Business Size Standard: $47 million).
- Brand Name Justification: This is a brand-name only acquisition for Keysight licenses, justified by compatibility with existing NIST equipment and significant investment in programming.
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder, Building 1-4635, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80305.
- Special Requirements: Adherence to cybersecurity and privacy standards (FISMA, OMB A-130, FIPS 200, TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated encryption). F.O.B Destination delivery. Payment 100% after installation, acceptance, testing, and performance demonstration.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026, by 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to Tracy.retterer@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. The RFQ number must be referenced in the subject line.
- Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, neat, indexed, and logically assembled into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions. Offerors must provide technical capability documentation, product literature, and manufacturer authorization (if applicable).
- Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to both listed contacts no later than 5 calendar days after solicitation issuance.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that is technically acceptable (LPTA). Award will be based solely on initial quotes, without discussions.
- Eligibility: Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment.