Amendment to QuestaSim Software License

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure a Questasim VHDL/Verilog Simulation and Verification Software license for the GCPN 6.05 project, which aims to develop an FPGA-based memory device characterization platform. This platform will be used for programming and reading memory devices, offloading computationally intensive tasks to FPGAs, and simulating/verifying the FPGA design before implementation.

• Purchase of a Questasim Simulation and Verification Software License for one year.

• The tool must support mixed-language simulation (VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog).

• Must support Unified Verification Methodology capabilities.

• Must support Verification IPs from major FPGA vendors.

• Must simulate functional and behavioral models.

• Must provide libraries for Intel, Xilinx, and Microsemi FPGAs.

• Must support Vivado version 2020 and beyond.

• Must run in multi-thread and multi-processor mode.

• Must provide a minimum of 6x speed compared to the integrated Vivado simulator.

• Must support installation and operation on the Linux operating system (specifically Ubuntu 22.4).

• The tool must simulate the FPGA design with Questasim before implementation to guarantee functional and behavioral accuracy.

• The software license is for one year.

• The tool must provide a minimum of 6x speed compared to the integrated Vivado simulator.

• Period of Performance: 12 months from the date of award (does not include warranty).

• Place of Performance: Gaithersburg.

• Delivery: 4 weeks from award to ARONIST Gaithersburg.

• All items must be new; used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered.

• Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered.

• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.

• All line items shall be shipped in original manufacturer's packaging with all original documentation and software.

• Delivery terms: FOB Destination.

• Payment: 100% after delivery and acceptance by the TPOC of the fully installed system.

• Cybersecurity Privacy Requirements: Solution must be consistent with FISMA, OMB Circular A-130, FIPS Publication 200, and SP 800-171. This includes system security plans, IT management processes, access controls, multifactor authentication, vulnerability scanning, and encryption (TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. The government is seeking quotations for a 1-year license for QuestaSim Software. This announcement is the sole solicitation; no written solicitation will be issued.

• CLIN 0001: QuestaSim Software License for 1 year.

• Requirements are detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment #1).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Acquisition Method: Simplified acquisition procedures.

• Submission Deadline: February 18, 2025, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov and tracy.retterer@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and logically assembled. Quotations must be divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrate technical approach, capability, and authority to provide items, citing SOW paragraphs).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping; valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (complete required information from attachments).

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that also meets all required technical specifications. Award will be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror.

• NAICS Code: 513210 (Software Publishers)

• Small Business Size Standard: $47 million.

• Competition: Solicited as full and open competition.

• Attachments referenced: Statement of Work/Requirements Document and Drawings (Attachment #1), Applicable Provisions and Clauses (Attachment #2).

• Offerors must demonstrate technical capability with evidence, not just statements of compliance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses, along with specific NIST local clauses. It outlines standard terms and conditions for solicitations and resulting contracts, particularly those involving commercial products and services. Bidders must review these provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and the government's requirements.

• Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: The document lists many FAR clauses (e.g., 52.203-17, 52.204-7, 52.212-1, 52.219-9, 52.222-19, 52.225-5, 52.232-33) and NIST local clauses (e.g., NIST LOCAL-41, NIST LOCAL-53, NIST LOCAL-56). These cover a wide range of topics including restrictions on subcontractor sales, whistleblower rights, System for Award Management (SAM) requirements, instructions to offerors, small business subcontracting, child labor, trade agreements, payment procedures, and security prohibitions.

• Full Text Clauses: FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services) is included in full text, detailing definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment terms, risk of loss, taxes, termination (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, Comptroller General examination of records, and incorporation by reference of representations and certifications.

• Representations and Certifications: Specific provisions require offerors to represent and certify regarding Trade Agreements (52.225-6), Place of Manufacture (52.225-18), Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (52.240-90) including covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, Sudan and Iran business operations, and electronic billing instructions (NIST LOCAL-54).

• Governing Law: Federal procurement law and regulations, including the Contract Disputes Act and FAR, govern. Litigation must be filed in federal procurement jurisdiction.

• Payment: Invoices are handled per the Prompt Payment Act and NIST local clauses. Electronic submission via email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV is required, with potential transition to the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) upon notice.

• SAM: Many provisions reference the System for Award Management (SAM) for registrations, representations, and certifications. Offerors must ensure their SAM profile is current.

• Protests: Procedures for agency protests (to the Contracting Officer or Protest Decision Authority) and GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests are detailed, including service requirements.

• Various clauses related to small business subcontracting plans (52.219-9) and post-award representations (52.219-28) are incorporated, indicating potential focus on small business participation.

• Deviations: Several provisions and clauses are incorporated with a "DEVIATION JAN 2026," indicating recent changes or temporary modifications to standard FAR text.

• NIST Specifics: Local clauses address campus operating status, electronic billing, and software license addenda, requiring bidder attention to NIST's operational procedures.