Portable Optical Atomic Clocks
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) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified vendors for two Portable Optical Atomic Clocks to be delivered to Gaithersburg, MD. This is not a request for quotes or proposals, but rather a tool to determine potential suppliers and the acquisition method. Responses are due June 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on firms capable of providing two Portable Optical Atomic Clocks. The attached "OU68-FY26-492-NEW Requirements and Specifications_v2.docx" details the specific technical and logistical requirements, including items, quantities, shipping, delivery, installation, warranty, training, and inspection/acceptance criteria. Vendors must carefully review these specifications to understand the exact needs and prepare their capability statements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Set-Aside: Currently unspecified; potential for Small Business Set-Aside if at least two qualified small businesses are identified. NIST encourages responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: June 10, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested firms should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four pages, to Angela Hitt (angela.hitt@nist.gov). Submissions must include:
- Name of company providing the product(s).
- Name of company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience in meeting requirements.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for NIST's minimum specifications and market research.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. No quotes will be accepted at this time. The results will inform NIST's decision on the acquisition method and potential set-aside opportunities.