Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Extended Trial License Hardware -Accelerated Electromagnetic Simulation Software
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 Physical Measurements Lab, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, has issued a notice of intent to sole source a contract to Flexcompute, Inc. for hardware-accelerated electromagnetic simulation software (Tidy3D). This procurement is for an extended trial license to support the design and analysis of integrated photonic devices. Responses are due February 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves a GPU-accelerated, time-domain simulation software capable of handling feature sizes ranging from nanometers to hundreds of microns. Key technical capabilities required include:
- Forward and Adjoint Simulations: Ability to create adjoint sources and perform adjoint simulations.
- Inverse Design: Advanced optimization techniques, including adjoint optimization for test structure development.
- Gradient Calculation: Deriving gradients from simulation solutions.
- Licensing: One trial license installation supporting a minimum of three user licenses for a duration of at least 10 months.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Questions Due: February 18, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Response Due: February 23, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: February 9, 2026
Evaluation
This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ). However, the government will consider responses from firms that can demonstrate their ability to meet the specific technical requirements. The information received will be used to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
Additional Notes
Interested parties must submit documentation including company details, point of contact, and the classification of the supply (COTS, modified, or prototype). Responses should be emailed to Ranae Armstrong and Donald Collie.