Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Field Standard and Programmable Load Test Set for Accuracy Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
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, has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Field Standard and Programmable Load Test Set for the accuracy evaluation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Tesco - The Eastern Specialty Company if no other capable sources are identified through this market research. Responses are due by May 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM UTC.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) EVSE test system, comprising a field standard and a programmable load, to develop and implement training programs for weights and measures officials and industry stakeholders. The system must be new, compliant with NIST Handbook 44, and capable of testing both AC and DC modes of operation. Key requirements include:
- Testing AC Level 1 and Level 2 EVSE up to 80 A, and DC fast charge EVSE up to 200 A at 1000 V DC.
- Specific measurement capabilities for Voltage, Current (AC/DC), and Power (Active, Reactive, Apparent Energy).
- Accuracy requirements for AC/DC Voltage, Current, and Active Energy.
- Compatibility with SAE J1772 (CCS1) and SAE 3400 (Tesla) connectors.
- Field-ready and easily transportable.
- Successful execution of NIST OWM HB 44 compliant AC and DC energy accuracy tests.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 5, 2026, 1:00 PM UTC
- Published: April 21, 2026
- Period of Performance: August 1, 2026, to October 30, 2026
- Place of Performance: NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus
Response Requirements
Interested parties must submit responses via email to the primary contact. Responses should be in Microsoft Word 365, Excel 365, or PDF format, and not exceed 10 pages. Submissions should include:
- Company name, address, contact information, and UEI.
- Identification of equipment meeting SOW objectives, including manufacturer, model, technical specifications, and reseller status.
- Description of performance capabilities, customization limits, and any features assisting NIST objectives.
- Identification of any unmet aspects of the draft specifications and suggestions for improvement.
- Manufacturing location (US or other country) and any planned changes.
- Company size status (small/other) for NAICS 334516, and suggestions for alternative NAICS codes.
- Description of available services (installation, training, maintenance).
- Standard terms and conditions of sale (delivery, warranty, pricing, federal contracts).
- Customer references.
- Any other valuable information for NIST's market research.
Additional Notes
This is a market research notice only and does not constitute a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. NIST reserves the right to use information provided for any purpose. Questions should be submitted 5 calendar days prior to the response date.