Ku-band Geostationary Satellite Transponder Bandwidth
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 & Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified vendors capable of providing Ku-band Geostationary Satellite Transponder Bandwidth. This market research aims to determine potential acquisition methods and small business set-aside opportunities. Responses are due June 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires non-preemptable (reserved) Ku-band geostationary satellite transponder bandwidth to continue high-precision time signal exchange using the two-way satellite time/frequency transfer (TWSTFT) technique. This service is critical for NIST's contribution to international time standards (TAI and UTC).
Key requirements include:
- Uplink carrier frequencies within 14.0-14.5 GHz and downlink within 10.95-12.5 GHz.
- Linear and cross-polarized polarization for communication between Collaboration Earth stations.
- Transponder's equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) >= 42 dBW.
- Compatibility with existing TimeTech SATRE modems (PRN code, 2.5 Mc/s symbol rate, BPSK modulation).
- A transmission plan with link power budget, availability estimate, and coverage.
- Billing arrangement must accommodate a cost-sharing agreement (25% NIST, 25% USNO, 50% PTB).
- Vendor must provide a signed letter of supply from the satellite owner/operator if not the direct owner.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 517410 - Satellite Telecommunications (Small Business Size Standard: $44M)
- Period of Performance: November 27, 2026, through November 26, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Market research to determine potential Small Business Set-aside opportunities; all categories will be considered. NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: June 19, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC
- Published: June 9, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages, to Contract Specialist de Ionne Jones (deionne.jones@nist.gov). Submissions should include:
- Name of the company providing and manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time.
- Any other relevant information for NIST's market research.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposals or Quotes (RFP/RFQ) and does not commit the Government to a contract. The information is DRAFT and subject to change. No quotes will be accepted at this time. The Government will not pay for information received.