Robotic Arms

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation, clarifying product specifications and acceptable alternatives.

• Robot Model Specification: The solicitation requested specific robot model specs. The vendor clarified that no exact model matches those specs. They offered a 3kg payload model with a 500mm reach, and two models with 850mm reach and 5/7.5kg payloads. The government confirmed they are not looking for the latter units, implying a need for clarification on which specific model to quote.
• Camera Mounting: The government clarified that the camera is mounted on the end of the robotic arm.
• Third-Party Brands (Schunk and Schmalz): The vendor does not carry Schunk and Schmalz items but can cross-reference them to equivalent units. The government confirmed this is acceptable.
• Soft Gripper Definition: A "2-finger soft gripper" is defined as a gripper designed for handling light and delicate products, with a gripping force of up to 1.5 N and flexible, food-grade fingers for safe and gentle object handling.

This Q&A document clarifies product specifications, particularly for the robot model and gripper type. Bidders should ensure their quotes align with the clarified requirements and consider the acceptable cross-referencing for specified brands. Further clarification may be needed regarding the exact robot model to be quoted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. It constitutes the only solicitation, and quotes are requested. The acquisition is a small business set-aside.

• The primary requirement is for a "Robotic Arm" (CLIN 0001), as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• Offerors must provide a firm-fixed-price quotation.

• Technical capability must be demonstrated, meeting or exceeding minimum requirements specified in the SOW. Evidence of manufacturer authorization is required if applicable.

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) with solicitation number 1333ND26QNB030044.

• Award will be a single firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• Submission Deadline: February 19, 2026, by 5:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to Cielo.Ibarra@nist.gov and Donald.Collie@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 distinct volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (addressing technical approach, capability, and adherence to SOW requirements).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for CLINs, including shipping costs; identify any foreign manufacturing charges/tariffs separately).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (address any exceptions to solicitation terms).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that is technically acceptable. Award will be based solely on initial quotes, without discussions.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to both Cielo.Ibarra@nist.gov and Donald.Collie@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• This acquisition is solicited as a small business set-aside.

• Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment. Failure to maintain active registration will result in disqualification.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Referenced Attachments: Attachment 1 (Statement of Work), Attachment 2 (Applicable Provisions and Clauses).

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Clauses," contains various solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference. It also provides the full text for several key clauses, including FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services), and outlines specific NIST local clauses related to contract performance during changes in operating status and electronic billing instructions.

• Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: Lists numerous FAR clauses and provisions, many with deviations effective January 2026. These cover a wide range of topics including restrictions on subcontractor sales, whistleblower rights, SAM registration, reporting requirements, prohibitions on certain business practices (e.g., with inverted domestic corporations, in Sudan or Iran), trade agreements, and place of manufacture.
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.212-4, detailing definitions, inspection/acceptance, changes, disputes, payment terms, termination clauses, and more. It also includes NIST-specific clauses for Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) designation, agency protests, GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests, place of acceptance, contract performance during NIST operating status changes, and electronic invoicing procedures (via IPP).
• Trade Agreements Certificate (52.225-6): Requires offerors to certify the origin of end products.
• Place of Manufacture (52.225-18): Requires offerors to indicate the predominant place of manufacture for end products.
• Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (52.240-90): Includes representations and certifications related to covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, Sudan, and Iran.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those with January 2026 deviations, as they form the contractual basis for the opportunity. Pay close attention to FAR 52.212-4 for standard commercial item contract terms. The NIST local clauses are critical for understanding operational procedures, protest filing, and invoicing requirements. Offerors must complete required certifications and representations, particularly those related to trade agreements, place of manufacture, and security prohibitions. Failure to comply with these clauses and provisions may impact offer eligibility and award.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The objective of this requirement is to enable traceable complex permittivity to 330 GHz and provide known permittivity measurements for on-wafer traceability for S-parameters, Power, and Phase. This supports the NIST CHIPS program by developing and disseminating NIST best practices and algorithms for complex permittivity and on-wafer measurement.

NIST requires the provision of robotic arms for picking and placing fused silica coupons for thickness and permittivity measurements. The specific items include:

• Four (4) Collaborative robotic arms (600 mm reach, teaching pendants, electronic stops)

• One (1) Mountable smart camera

• Two (2) Parallel grippers

• Two (2) Electronic vacuum grippers

• One (1) Soft gripper

• One (1) Professional license of RoboDK All equipment must be new, include a 1-year warranty with maintenance, and be shipped in original manufacturer packaging with all documentation.

• All items must meet the detailed technical specifications listed for each line item.

• The system must be capable of picking and placing fused silica coupons.

• NIST reserves the right to perform performance tests and evaluations.

• A visual inspection for surface defects or transport damage will be conducted.

• The Government will test, inspect, and accept or reject equipment within 30 days of receipt.

• Period of Performance: No later than eight (8) weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO).

• Place of Performance: NIST Boulder, Building 1-4635, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80305. The government will provide access to Building 1.

• All equipment must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" components are not acceptable.

• A minimum 3-year warranty is required after receipt of equipment, commencing upon acceptance.

• Delivery terms are F.O.B Destination.

• Payment is 100% after installation, acceptance, and successful completion of testing requirements.