Robotic Arms
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) is soliciting quotations for Robotic Arms to support its CHIPS program in Boulder, CO. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Quotations are due February 19, 2026, by 5:00 AM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NIST requires robotic arms to enable traceable complex permittivity measurements up to 330 GHz and provide known permittivity measurements for on-wafer traceability (S-parameters, Power, Phase). This acquisition supports the NIST CHIPS program by developing and disseminating best practices and algorithms for complex permittivity and on-wafer measurement.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
The requirement is for specific robotic arm components for picking and placing fused silica coupons. Deliverables 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 manufacturer warranty, and be shipped in original packaging with documentation. A minimum 3-year warranty is required after acceptance. Delivery is F.O.B Destination, no later than eight (8) weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO) to NIST Boulder, CO.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) No. 1333ND26QNB030044, leading to a single firm-fixed-price purchase order.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder, Building 1-4635, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80305.
- Payment: 100% after installation, acceptance, and successful completion of testing.
Submission & Evaluation
- 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, and logically assembled into three volumes:
- Volume I: Technical Quotation (addressing technical approach, capability, and SOW adherence).
- Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for CLINs, including shipping; identify foreign manufacturing charges 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 specified email addresses no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.
Eligibility & Notes
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. Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially FAR 52.212-4 and NIST local clauses, and complete required certifications.