High-Precision Timing Infrastructure
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) intends to award a firm-fixed priced purchase order on a sole-source basis to Safran Trusted 4D Inc. for a High-Precision Timing Infrastructure. This procurement is for a programmable timing control system that can interoperate with an existing White Rabbit Precision Time Protocol (WR-PTP) infrastructure. Responses from interested parties are due by March 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST's Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) requires two low-jitter time distribution switches and a programmable quantum instrumentation control system. This system is essential for enabling absolute time synchronization to sub-nanosecond precision between sites at NIST Gaithersburg, the University of Maryland JQI, and other DC-QNet partners. It will integrate low-latency programmable control capabilities for test and measurement equipment within a metropolitan-scale quantum network testbed.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent (Sole Source Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order)
- NAICS: 334111 - Electronic Computer Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,250 Employees)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: March 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET
- Published: March 13, 2026
Sole Source Justification
NIST's determination is based on Safran Trusted 4D Inc. being the only vendor that provides WR-PTP time synchronization for the QICK system, which is critical for the required programmable control capabilities. Safran integrates the open-source Fermilab QICK system with WR-PTP and provides a commercial product, including the necessary HATI license for IP core integration and FPGA development. The three interdependent components (QICK, WR-PTP, HATI license) are exclusively available through Safran, making them a unified and indispensable solution.
Information for Interested Parties
This is a notice of intent, not a solicitation. Any interested parties who believe they can satisfy these requirements must submit a written statement of their capabilities via email to Collin Randall (Collin.Randall@nist.gov) by the response date. Submissions must include Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone, Email, SAM UEI, Business Classification, and a Capability Statement.