high-speed lock-in/servo system
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), specifically the Fundamental Thermodynamics group, is conducting a Sources Sought notice to identify potential sources for a high-speed lock-in/servo system. This system is critical for the Photonic ac-dc Thermal Transfer Standard (PTTS) project, part of the NIST-on-a-Chip (NOAC) program. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to issue a Sole Source Award to Liquid Instruments Inc. Responses are due by June 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required high-speed lock-in/servo system must support the development of high-precision, deployable photonic readout systems for next-generation ac-dc difference metrology. Key minimum specifications include:
- At least 4 analog inputs with bandwidths up to 600 MHz (2 channels) or 300 MHz (4 channels).
- Sampling rate of at least 1 GSa/s per channel.
- ADC Resolution of at least 10-bit (preference for 18-bit or higher).
- At least 4 analog output channels with bandwidths up to 500 MHz.
- Output sampling rate of at least 1.25 GSa/s per channel.
- Output resolution of at least 16-bit.
- Capability to operate simultaneously in up to 4 configurations, including Lock-in Amplifier, Arbitrary Waveform Generator, Oscilloscope, PID Controller (with proportional, integral, differential, double-integral gain profiles), Phasemeter, and Spectrum Analyzer.
- Software control via USB or WiFi and lockable to a 10 MHz reference.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage); intent to sole source to Liquid Instruments Inc.
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: June 9, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
Response Requirements
Interested parties should provide company information (name, address, contact, UEI), details of equipment that meets the objectives (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, reseller status), performance capabilities, customization options, any unmet specifications, manufacturing location, and NAICS code feedback. Also include available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms and conditions, pricing, and any existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts. Do not provide proprietary information.
Additional Notes
This is a market research notice and not a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The government is not obligated to pay for information provided. Responses will help NIST determine industry capabilities and potential for competition.