High Resolution Time Tagger
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 negotiate a firm-fixed priced purchase order on a sole source basis with Swabian Instruments USA Inc. for a High Resolution Time Tagger. This acquisition supports NIST's research and development for quantum networking and resilient time distribution. Responses from interested parties are due March 25, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
NIST requires a high-precision 4-measurement channel Swabian Time Tagger. This instrument will provide high-precision time interval counting capabilities with associated software for data acquisition, visualization, and analysis. It will be integrated into quantum networking applications research for single photon counting, coincidence counting, and other fundamental quantum network metrology protocols, aligning with NIST's 2026 Strategy for American Technology Leadership and IMS Towards a Resilient Time Infrastructure.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed Priced Purchase Order (Sole Source)
- Authority: FAR Subpart 12.102(a)
- NAICS: 334515 - Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (Small Business Size Standard: 750 Employees)
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
- Published: March 18, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The sole source determination is based on the need for compatibility and equivalent capability with NIST's existing Swabian X Time Tagger system. NIST currently operates a Swabian X Time Tagger and requires a duplicate system to expand research testbed capacity and validate ongoing experimental measurements. Using any other system would jeopardize the continuity and comparability of ongoing scientific data and research activities designed around the current system. Swabian Instruments USA Inc. does not authorize resellers.
Information for Interested Parties
This is a notice of intent, not a request for quotation. A solicitation will not be issued. Interested parties who believe they can satisfy the requirements must clearly identify their capability in writing via email to Collin Randall (Collin.Randall@nist.gov) by the response date. Responses should include Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact, UEI, Business Classification, and a Capability Statement.