Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent: Digital Lock-in Amplifiers
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 Digital Lock-in Amplifiers. This notice seeks to acquire a microwave digital lock-in amplifier for semiconductor metrology research. NIST intends to noncompetitively acquire this item from Zurich Instruments. Responses from interested parties are requested by January 7, 2025, with the overall notice closing on February 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) microwave digital lock-in amplifier to support the Photonics and Optomechanics Group's research in precision sensing and quantum information science. The amplifier will measure the amplitude and phase of radio frequency signals up to 1.8 GHz, specifically for microscale acoustic resonators used in real-time mass measurements during atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. This is critical for developing a digital twin of ALD processes to enhance semiconductor manufacturing.
Key Requirements
The required amplifier must operate at frequencies up to 1.8 GHz and be compatible with Zurich Instruments LabOne software. Technical specifications include:
- Frequency Range: DC to 1.8 GHz or greater
- ADC Rate/Resolution: ≥ 4 GSa/s, ≥ 14-bit
- Dynamic Reserve: ≥ 100 dB
- Demodulators: ≥ 8 dual-phase
- PID Controllers: 4 independent, with ≥ 1 MHz bandwidth
- Simultaneous Measurement: Amplitude and phase of up to 8 independent frequencies.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing)
- PSC: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Responses to Notice Due: January 7, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: February 13, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Notice Close Date: February 20, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
- Published: February 6, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD, United States
Market Research & Justification
NIST conducted market research from September 2024 to December 2025, concluding that only Zurich Instrument’s GHFLI lock-in amplifier meets all technical specifications, particularly the 1.8 GHz frequency range, voltage noise, and amplitude requirements. The use of existing LabOne software compatibility also offers significant time and cost savings.
How to Respond
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the Primary Point of Contact by January 7, 2025, 5:00 PM ET. Do not include proprietary information. Responses should include:
- Company details (name, address, contact, UEI)
- Capability statement meeting or exceeding requirements
- Reseller authorization (if applicable)
- Identification of restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation
- NAICS code information (small/other business, alternative NAICS)
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts
- Company experience with similar products/services.
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation, and a solicitation will not be issued. No award will result from this notice, and NIST is not responsible for costs incurred by respondents.