Laser-Powered Electric Field Probe

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The government is procuring a "Laser-Powered Electric Field Probe." This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and written solicitations will not be issued.

• The primary deliverable is a "Laser-Powered Electric Field Probe."

• Specifications describing the requirements are attached.

• Shipping is to be included in the firm-fixed pricing, FOB Destination.

• The contract type will be a firm-fixed price purchase order.

• The evaluation will be based on a trade-off plan using price and non-price factors.

• Quotations must be submitted via email to the address provided by the date and time specified.

• The quotation must include clear, concise technical capability demonstrating the ability to meet requirements.

• Vendors are requested to provide no more than five pages of examples of experience with similar requirements.

• Key submission requirements include:

  • Demonstration of meeting requirements (not just copy-pasting).
  • Firm-fixed price quote.
  • Country of Origin/Manufacture.
  • Payment Terms: Net 30.
  • Delivery: 90 days after receipt of order (ARO), or earliest possible delivery.
  • FOB Destination.
  • Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Factor 1: Technical Capability (demonstration of understanding and capability, including authority to provide, maintenance, repair, delivery schedule, warranty, etc.). Technical quotations are limited to 6 single-sided pages.
  • Factor 2: Price (evaluated for reasonableness).

• Key deadlines are specified in the solicitation.

• The solicitation is issued on an unrestricted basis.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334515 - Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electrical Signals, with a size standard of 750 employees.

• Offerors must submit documentation if their representations and certifications do not reflect the NAICS code governing this solicitation, to demonstrate they are a small business.

• Small Business Subcontracting Plans are required for businesses not certified as small businesses.

• All communications and documents must include the solicitation number NB675030-26-00063.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Applicable FAR provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference, including those related to Buy American, Place of Manufacture, and FOB Destination.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed technical specifications and requirements for a Laser-Powered Electric-Field Probe to be procured by NIST.

• Electromagnetic Operating Range: Frequency from 9 kHz to 18 GHz, with specific field strength ranges for different frequencies.
• Damage Threshold: Requirements for probe resilience to high field strengths.
• Measurement Specifications: Resolution, measurement rate, linearity errors, frequency flatness, and isotropy error.
• Calibration: Requirements for ISO 17025 accredited calibration with specific data points to be included in the certificate.
• Physical and Mechanical Characteristics: Dimensions, protective casing, and mounting capabilities.
• Interface Connections: Requirements for fiber optic cables and connectivity, including minimum length and connector types.
• Field Meter (Monitoring Unit): Specifications for power supply, data acquisition, calibration settings, and PC control software.
• Procurement Support Information: Details on shipping address, delivery date criteria (90 days after award), and software delivery requirements (US Government email address).

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical capabilities and performance standards required for the electric-field probe. It details the essential specifications that any proposed solution must meet, including operational ranges, accuracy, physical constraints, and calibration requirements. Bidders must ensure their proposed product fully complies with these specifications to be considered responsive. The document also outlines delivery timelines and software delivery protocols.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the specifications for a Laser-Powered Electric-Field Probe required by NIST's Communications Technology Laboratory, Spectrum Technology and Research Division. The equipment is needed to accurately measure and monitor electromagnetic field strength for compliance with safety standards, research, and system optimization.

• Electromagnetic Operating Range: 9 kHz to 18 GHz.

• Field Strength Range: <1 V/m to >5 kV/m (9 kHz - 1 GHz); <1 V/m to >1 kV/m (1 GHz - 18 GHz).

• Damage Threshold: Withstand >25 kV/m (9 kHz-1 GHz) and >5 kV/m (1 GHz-18 GHz).

• Resolution: Less than or equal to 0.05 V/m.

• Measurement Rate: At least 500 kSamples/s (continuous), 2 MS/s (burst).

• Accuracy: Linearity errors ±0.2 dB, frequency flatness ±1.5 dB, isotropy error ±1.5 dB.

• Calibration: ISO 17025 Accredited Calibration required with detailed certificate.

• Physical Dimensions: Less than (46 x 46 x 114 mm³).

• Interface: Powered and controlled over optical fiber; alternative connections acceptable.

• Fiber Optic Cables: Minimum 15 meters length, standard connectors (ST, FC, FSMA), minimum 30 mm bending radius.

• Field Meter (Monitoring Unit): Must support simultaneous connection and control of at least five probes, buffer readings, apply separate calibration factors (factory and user-defined), and be powered via AC or USB. Must include or provide PC application software for control and real-time data acquisition with indefinite use license.

• Period of Performance: Delivery to be completed no later than 90 days after award.

• Inspection and Acceptance: On-site inspection by NIST Shared Spectrum Metrology Group. Acceptance not expected to exceed 7 business days.

• Software Delivery: Via US Government email address.

• Site Visit: US citizen required on-site; foreign nationals require pre-registration 30 days prior.

• Warranty: Extended warranty required (3 Years minimum).

• Maintenance: Maintenance plan required (3 Years minimum).

• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

• Delivery: Direct delivery to OU Building required. Building has a loading dock.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is a request for information from industry to help the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) determine the availability and capability of small businesses and other than small businesses to provide a high-precision laser-powered electric field probe. This is for market research purposes to help NIST determine the appropriate acquisition strategy and is not a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

NIST has a need for a laser-powered electric field probe. The Specifications document is attached for review.

Delivery is anticipated 90 days after receipt of order (ARO).

Respondents are encouraged to review the Specifications document and submit responses by the closing date. Responses should be in Microsoft Word or .pdf format, 12-point font, with a four-page limit (excluding cover page and pricing).

Required Cover Page Information:

• Sources Sought Notice number, title, and date of issuance
• Unique Entity ID
• Company name, address, website address
• Point of contact (phone number and email address)

Additional Information Requested:

• Validation of company size status under NAICS 334515 and active SAM.gov registration.
• Suggestions for improving the Specifications document for clarity and competitiveness.
• Suggested evaluation factors for award.
• Standard commercial pricing information (if available) or an estimate for the Specification requirements (quotations will not be considered).
• Company experience and capability in providing similar laser-powered electric field probes.
• For small businesses: ability to comply with FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.
• Information on any existing GSA Multiple Award Schedule or other federal contract under which NIST could place an order.

Submit responses to lia.arthofer@nist.gov. Do not include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information. Teaming arrangements must include the requested information for each entity.

• Responses are voluntary and for NIST's use without limitation.
• NIST is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information provided.
• NIST reserves the right to use information provided for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate.
• NIST may publish a solicitation on sam.gov or GSA ebuy based on market research findings.
• Responses received after the closing date may not be considered.