Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Oscilloscope
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 Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for the procurement of an oscilloscope system including probes, software, and shipping. This requirement is for NIST's Gaithersburg, Maryland campus to support its Absolute Magnetometer for measuring magnetic materials and certifying Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). This acquisition is conducted under unrestricted full and open competition. Quotations are due by May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one new oscilloscope system, including delivery and a minimum 1-year warranty. The system must meet specific technical requirements, including:
- Oscilloscope: Minimum 2.5 GHz bandwidth, 20 GSa/s sampling rate (2 channels), 1 Gpts/channel record length (2 channels), 12-bit ADC resolution, and at least 4 analog channels. It must also feature specific input impedance, low jitter, high time accuracy, USB connectivity, and SI traceable calibration.
- Probes: Four (4) passive X10 probes (>= 0.5 GHz bandwidth) and four (4) high current probes (DC to >= 5 MHz, 150 ARMS max current).
- Software: Capable of downloading V(t) or I(t) data.
- Manuals: Two sets of operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting manuals. All items must be new, ship in original manufacturer's packaging, and be delivered F.O.B. Destination to NIST Gaithersburg, MD, no later than six months after receipt of order.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) is anticipated.
- Acquisition Procedures: Simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted full and open competition.
- NAICS Code: 3345163 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Place of Performance: Delivery to NIST Gaithersburg, MD. Contractor's facility for performance.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to nina.lin@nist.gov and tracy.bisson@nist.gov. The RFQ number (1333ND26QNB030192) must be referenced in the subject line.
- Quotation Validity: Quotations must be valid for 90 days from the due date.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter who meets all technical specifications and proposes the lowest price (Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable - LPTA). The Government will evaluate quotations starting with the lowest-priced.
- Required Documentation: Quotations must be clearly divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.
- Eligibility: Active registration in SAM.gov is required at the time of submission and throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Pre-Quote Inquiries: Questions must be submitted in writing via email no later than 3 calendar days after solicitation issuance.
Applicable Provisions and Clauses
Bidders must review Attachment 2, which details all applicable FAR and NIST-specific provisions and clauses incorporated by reference or in full text. Key areas include representations and certifications (e.g., SAM.gov, Buy American Act, security prohibitions related to covered telecommunications equipment), invoicing via the Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP), and protest procedures.