Procurement of Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) 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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for the Procurement of an Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) System. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify capable businesses, both small and other-than-small, to provide a complete ORAN 5G system for integration with NIST's existing 3GPP compliant 5G core. Responses are due by June 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST is seeking a comprehensive ORAN 5G system that includes an Open Radio Unit, Open Distributed Unit, Open Centralized Unit, and all necessary supporting hardware. The system will be integrated into NIST's current 3GPP compliant 5G core infrastructure. The anticipated period of performance is one year, with a potential six-month extension under FAR clause 52.217-8. The place of performance is Gaithersburg, MD.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Duration: One year, with potential 6-month extension
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine potential set-aside)
- Response Due: June 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: June 3, 2026
Information Requested
NIST invites industry to review the Draft Statement of Work (SOW) (Attachment I) and provide feedback, including:
- Company Summary: Notice ID and Title, company name, address, website, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), point of contact, company size status relative to NAICS 513210 (Software Publishers), and indication of active SAM.gov registration.
- Draft SOW Feedback: Suggestions for improvement to make the draft SOW clearer and more competitive.
- Potential Evaluation Factors: Suggested factors for a future competitive acquisition.
- Standard Commercial Pricing: Information on standard commercial pricing for products/services, or an estimate for the Draft SOW requirements.
- Safety and Handling: Details on company safety programs.
- Transportation and Regulations: Compliance with U.S. DOT regulations.
- Quality and Purity: Experience with meeting high-purity standards.
- Subcontracting Compliance: For small businesses, ability to comply with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, if set-aside.
- Existing Contract Vehicles: Information on GSA MAS or other federal contract vehicles.
Submission Instructions
- Method: Email responses to robert.cowins@nist.gov.
- Format: Microsoft Word or PDF document, 12-inch font.
- Page Limit: Maximum of ten (10) pages, excluding cover page and Standard Commercial Pricing section.
- Content: Clear and concise capabilities and expertise, avoiding excessive marketing language.
- Cover Page: Must include specific business information as detailed in the notice.
Important Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and is NOT a solicitation. NIST will not award a contract based on responses and will not pay for information submitted. Responses may lead to a future Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). Do not include proprietary, classified, or confidential information. Teaming arrangements must comply with FAR 52.219-14.