Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier to Virginia Diodes (UEI: VJ9NDNJEG6G4)
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 its RF technology division, has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to non-competitively acquire Sub-THz VNA Extenders and a High-Power Amplifier from Virginia Diodes (UEI: VJ9NDNJEG6G4). This acquisition aims to develop advanced transistor characterization benches from 110 GHz to 325 GHz, crucial for extracting and validating transistor models under the CHIPS program. While NIST intends a sole-source award, other capable sources are encouraged to respond by April 7, 2026.
Scope of Requirements
NIST requires a solution meeting the following minimum specifications:
- WR6.5 VNA waveguide extenders: 110-170 GHz, delivering at least +19 dBm.
- WR5.1 VNA waveguide extenders: 140-220 GHz, delivering at least +6 dBm.
- WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders: 220-325 GHz, delivering at least +0 dBm.
- High-power waveguide amplifier: 120-140 GHz, delivering at least 30 dBm RF output power.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source (Non-competitive)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a)
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Sole Source Justification: Market research conducted from December 2024 to December 2025 determined Virginia Diodes is the only company capable of providing the required high-power waveguide amplifier and VNA extenders with the specified RF performance across all three frequency bands.
- Response Due: April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Published: March 17, 2026
Response Instructions
This notice is not a request for quotation, and no solicitation will be issued. However, any sources that believe they can meet NIST’s minimum requirements are encouraged to respond by the due date. Responses should include:
- Company Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov.
- Detailed capabilities demonstrating how your company meets or exceeds NIST’s minimum requirements.
- Confirmation of authorized reseller status (if applicable) with supporting evidence.
- Any other information that could help NIST determine if the requirement can be competitively satisfied.
Additional Notes
The acquisition is for advanced semiconductor technology development, focusing on improving transistor performance, yield, and reproducibility for US chip makers.