Lock-in Amplifier 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 Biomedical Measurement Technologies group, has issued a Special Notice / Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract for a Lock-in Amplifier System. This system is critical for the CHIPS program and will advance measurements of manufacturable CMOS biosensors. Responses from interested parties are due by March 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a specialized lock-in amplifier to integrate into a metrology tool for the functionalization of semiconductor substrates. This tool supports the CHIPS program by advancing measurement science critical to developing new materials, packaging, and production methods in chip manufacturing, addressing supply chain visibility and R&D ecosystem gaps.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Presolicitation Notice, Notice of Intent (Sole Source)
- Intended Awardee: Zurich Instruments, Inc. (Waltham, MA)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source justification)
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, 1250 employee size standard)
- Response Due: March 11, 2026, by 1:00 AM EST
- Published: February 24, 2026
Sole Source Justification
NIST intends to negotiate with Zurich Instruments, Inc. on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901. Market research, including internet searches, expert consultations, and a sources sought notice, indicates that Zurich Instruments is the only manufacturer capable of providing a turnkey system that meets all required specifications. Their LabOne system is a critical requirement for seamless integration with existing NIST-owned metrology tools, a capability other vendors cannot satisfy. Zurich Instruments does not have authorized resellers.
Additional Notes
This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties who believe they can fulfill these requirements are invited to submit responses for government consideration. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based on responses is solely at their discretion. Information received will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Contact Information
- Primary POC: Erik Frycklund (Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov)
- Secondary POC: Donald Graham (Donald.Graham@nist.gov)