QNet Qubit Controller

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, specifically for the QNet Qubit Controller. It serves as the only solicitation, and no written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is being solicited as Unrestricted.

• The primary requirement is for one (1) QNet Qubit Controller, as detailed in Attachment #1 - Specifications.

• Delivery date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance, along with FOB point, are required per the Specifications document.

• This will result in a single firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• The procurement is being conducted under simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR part 12.

• Quotation Due Date: April 6, 2026, by 2:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST).

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to lia.arthofer@nist.gov.

• Inquiries Due Date: April 1, 2026.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (including technical description, product literature, country of origin, manufacturer authorization, and confirmation of delivery/installation/training/warranty capabilities).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (including solicitation number, point of contact, UEI, firm fixed price per line item, total price, shipping/delivery costs, and discount terms).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced, technically acceptable quote.

• NAICS Code: 334513 – Manufacturing of Instruments and Devices, with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

• Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and through contract award.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06 and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

• The Government reserves the right to not award a PO and to make an award without discussions based solely upon initial quotes.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications and requirements for a "QNet Qubit Controller" to be procured by NIST. It serves as a detailed specification for potential vendors to understand the technical requirements and ancillary services needed.

• Item: QNet Qubit Controller (Quantity: 1)
• Specifications:
  • Output frequency tuning range: DC-16 GHz
  • Multiple input/output channels with synchronized oscillators
  • Output power: > +5dBm across the whole range
  • Phase noise: < -145 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from each oscillator
  • Form factor: Rack mount or bench top unit
  • Control interface: Manual and programmable
  • Connector type: N-Type or 2.92 mm (K) coaxial
• Procurement Support Information and Ancillary Services:
  • Planning Considerations: US citizen required on-site; foreign nationals require pre-registration 30 days prior.
  • Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg addresses provided.
  • Shipping Criteria: Partial delivery acceptable; direct delivery to OU Building required.
  • Installation: Requirements for vendor technician on-site, rigging, uncrating, setup, and start-up services.
  • Warranty: Base manufacturer warranty required, with options for extended periods.
  • Calibration: Requirements for calibration plan length and included services.
  • Maintenance: Requirements for maintenance plan length and included services.
  • Government Furnished Material/Equipment: Section to list any GFM/E.
  • Travel: Vendor to include travel requirement estimates within relevant sections.

This document is critical for bidders as it details the precise technical specifications of the QNet Qubit Controller. Vendors must ensure their proposed product meets all listed specifications, including frequency range, output power, phase noise, and connector types. The document also outlines essential ancillary services such as installation, warranty, and calibration, which must be factored into proposals. Bidders need to pay close attention to the shipping and delivery instructions, as well as any on-site requirements for personnel.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation for the QNet Qubit Controller. It serves to inform potential bidders of the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the resulting contract.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR and CAR provisions that apply, some of which may require bidder completion or representation. Examples include "Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference" (FAR 52.252-1) and "Instructions To Offerors--Commercial Products And Commercial Services" (FAR 52.212-1).
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR and CAR clauses that will be part of the contract. Examples include "System For Award Management" (FAR 52.204-7), "Buy American" provisions, and "Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status" (NIST LOCAL-53).
• Provisions & Clauses in Full Text: Provides the full text for specific agency-level provisions (CAR 1352.233-70 Agency Protests, CAR 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests) and clauses (1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE).
• Billing and Invoicing Instructions: Details requirements for submitting invoices electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and the information required for each submission.

Bidders must carefully review all listed provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements. Specific attention should be paid to provisions requiring bidder input or representations, as these will need to be addressed in the proposal or quotation. The document also outlines critical aspects of contract performance, protest procedures, and payment processes, which are essential for bid preparation and contract execution.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the specifications for a "QNet Qubit Controller" to be procured by NIST's Communications Technology Laboratory. The controller is intended to be a low noise, programmable RF and microwave pulse generator capable of generating and synchronizing multiple tones between DC and 16 GHz. It is crucial for the operation and measurement of microwave-optical transducer devices and will serve as the experimental control system for quantum networking projects.

• Item: QNet Qubit Controller (Quantity: 1)

• Output Frequency Tuning Range: DC-16 GHz

• Channels: Multiple input/output channels with synchronized oscillators

• Output Power: > +5dBm across the entire range

• Phase Noise: < -145 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from each oscillator

• Form Factor: Rack mount or bench top unit

• Interface: Manual and programmable control interface

• Connector: N-Type or 2.92 mm (K) coaxial output connector

• The document does not explicitly state contract type, period of performance, or estimated value.

• Procurement Support Information:

  • Planning Considerations: US citizen required on-site (foreign nationals need 30-day pre-registration); Vendor representative on-site for more than 3 days.
  • Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder, CO or NIST-Gaithersburg, MD.
  • Shipping Criteria: Partial delivery acceptable; direct delivery to OU Building required.
  • Inspection and Acceptance: Not expected to exceed 7 business days; 15 business days for performance tests.
  • Training: Requirements to be detailed (on-site, number of trainees).
  • Warranty: Base manufacturer warranty acceptable (e.g., 3 years), with options for additional periods.
  • Calibration: Requirements to be detailed (e.g., 3-year plan), with options for additional periods.
  • Maintenance: Requirements to be detailed (e.g., 3-year plan), with options for additional periods.

• Not specified in this document.

• Vendors are advised to include travel requirement estimates as part of pertinent sections (Installation, Maintenance, Repair) or as a separate line item.