CHIPS R&D ADS and IQ Software

SOL #: 1333ND26QNB030144Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Commerce
National Institute Of Standards And Technology
DEPT OF COMMERCE NIST
GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, United States

Place of Performance

Boulder, CO

NAICS

Software Publishers (513210)

PSC

Laboratory Equipment And Supplies (6640)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 27, 2026
2
Submission Deadline
Apr 10, 2026, 3:00 PM

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.

People

Points of Contact

Tracy RettererPRIMARY
Donald CollieSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Posted: Mar 27, 2026
CHIPS R&D ADS and IQ Software | GovScope