Cryogenic Radiometer Electronic Control System– Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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 of Intent to Sole Source for a Cryogenic Radiometer Electronic Control System. This notice seeks to replace an outdated system for the NIST Primary Optical Watt Radiometer (POWR) absolute cryogenic radiometer (ACR) to improve precision and efficiency. NIST's market research indicates L-1 Standards and Technology, Inc. as the only capable source. Responses are due April 8, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a modern, commercial-off-the-shelf control electronics system with high-precision temperature control and accurate electrical substitution power measurements. Essential requirements include:
- Two independent, low-noise 4-wire AC resistance bridges (10 Ω to 100 kΩ, 100-500 Hz excitation, 200 nA to 1 mA currents).
- Two independent electrical substitution heater outputs (max 5 mW, <100 fW resolution, <20 ppm absolute uncertainty at ≥100 µW, true DC power).
- Overall capability for open-loop or closed-loop PID temperature control, servo-loop heater noise <1 pW, and 10 ppm resolution/repeatability for heater powers >10 µW.
- Input/output with ≥24-bit resolution, ≥1 reading/second, and shutter synchronization.
- Receiver heater power control circuit with feed-forward capability.
- 100 MB Ethernet and/or GPIB connections.
- LabVIEW or Python-based control software (source code required).
- Power supply with 19” rack mount, shielded cabling, and standard 120 VAC, 60 Hz input.
- Custom interface cables and support brackets based on NIST specifications.
- NIST-traceable calibration with user re-calibration hardware/software.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
- Published: March 25, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Market Research & Intent
NIST conducted market research from September 2025 to March 2026, concluding that only L-1 Standards and Technology, Inc. (UEI: E219UNZLCLK3) appears capable of meeting all requirements, particularly compatibility with existing NIST POWR software. This notice serves as both a sources sought and an intent to sole source to L-1 Standards and Technology, Inc.
Response Instructions
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the primary and secondary contacts. Do not provide proprietary information. Responses should include:
- Company name, address, contact info, and UEI.
- Details of capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements.
- Authorization as a reseller (if applicable).
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- Small business status and suggested alternative NAICS codes.
- Existing FSS or other relevant contract numbers.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information or requests for engagement.
Important Notes
This is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation, request for quotation, or commitment to award a contract. NIST will not reimburse costs incurred by respondents.