Replacement High-Performance Cesium Beam Tube
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 & Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified vendors capable of providing a Replacement High-Performance Cesium Beam Tube for the 5071A Frequency Standard. This is not a request for quotation or proposal. Responses are due by May 14, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on firms that can provide a new, high-performance 5071A cesium beam tube, electrically and mechanically compatible with the 5071A standard. The tube must meet stringent frequency stability criteria (e.g., <= 5e-12 at 1 second and <= 1e-14 at 30 day averaging intervals). Optional services include recycling for the old cesium beam tube. The requirement also encompasses various service considerations such as planning, shipping, delivery, installation, warranty, training, inspection, acceptance, and maintenance.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 334519 - Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 600 employees)
- Set-Aside: None specified at this stage; market research will determine if a Small Business Set-Aside is appropriate. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources.
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: May 4, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses should submit an electronic capability statement, limited to four (4) pages, to Contract Specialist de Ionne Jones (deionne.jones@nist.gov). The statement must include:
- Name of the company providing and manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for NIST's market research. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. No quotes will be accepted at this time.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. The information gathered will help NIST determine the acquisition method and potential for small business set-aside opportunities. A solicitation is not currently available.