Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: AF UV Spectroradiometer
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 AF UV Spectroradiometers. This notice, identified as NIST-SS26-77, aims to noncompetitively acquire two dual-sensor spectroradiometers for an Air Force project (F4FTML5267G001). NIST's market research indicates that Gigahertz-Optik is currently the only vendor capable of meeting the stringent technical requirements. Responses from interested parties are due by February 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires two dual-sensor spectroradiometers to characterize and calibrate a new transfer-standard spectroradiometer for disseminating the spectral irradiance scale. Key technical specifications include:
- Spectral Range: Minimum 190 nm to 430 nm with a bandpass no larger than 1 nm.
- Dual-Sensor Design: A thermoelectric cooled back-thinned CCD array detector (at least 2048 pixels) and a silicon photodiode detector with a temperature-controlled radiometric filter.
- Calibration: Calibrated between 200 nm and 430 nm.
- Other Features: 16-bit ADC for CCD, stray light 0.02% or lower, on-housing irradiance probe, compact weather-proof housing, built-in optical filter wheel, electronic shutter, pre-aged components, hardware trigger, USB/Ethernet/RS232/RS485 interfaces, and LabVIEW support.
These specifications are critical for achieving the lowest possible uncertainty for the Air Force project and ensuring long-term stability.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source (FAR 13.106-1(b))
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Response Due: February 25, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: February 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: February 12, 2026
Evaluation
NIST conducted market research from December 2025 to February 2026, identifying multiple companies providing dual-sensor spectroradiometers. However, only Gigahertz-Optik, Inc. (Amesbury, MA) was found to meet all minimum requirements. Responses to this notice will be used to further assess industry capabilities and determine if other sources can meet or exceed the stated requirements.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and is not a request for quotation or a solicitation. No award will be made as a result of this notice, and NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents. Interested parties should provide company details, a capability statement, evidence of authorized reseller status, suggestions for less restrictive requirements, NAICS information, existing contract vehicles, and relevant experience. Do not provide proprietary information.