Solicitation - Biometric Suite for Improved Virtual Reality Studies

Solicitation / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services for a "Biometric Suite for Improved Virtual Reality Studies." This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and quotes are being requested. A written solicitation will not be issued.

• Embedded Sensor Suite for use with Virtual Reality (CLIN 0001)

• Wearable Physiological Sensors (CLIN 0002)

• Software License (CLIN 0003)

• Requirements are detailed in Attachment #1: Specifications.

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

• This acquisition is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The NAICS code is 334310 – Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 750.

• The contract will be a single firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Quotation Due Date: 5:00 PM MST, 6/29/2026. Submit via email to Daniel.kent@nist.gov.

• Inquiries Due Date: 5:00 PM MST, 6/22/2026. Submit questions in writing to Daniel.kent@nist.gov.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrate capability, proposed items, resources, methods, and experience)
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm fixed price, unit price, total amount, shipping/delivery costs)
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the quoter with the most advantageous solution, considering price and non-price factors. These include:

  • Technical Capability
  • Experience (relevancy of scope, size, and complexity)
  • Price

• The Government will assess confidence levels (High, Some, Low) for Technical Capability and Experience.

• 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-01, including a class deviation for the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

• Offerors must state acceptance of terms and conditions or list exceptions.

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical specifications and requirements for a Biometric Suite for Improved Virtual Reality Studies, intended for use by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) program. It details the components, capabilities, and vendor requirements for this acquisition.

• Item 1: Embedded Sensor Suite: Must include sensors for Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrooculography (EOG), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Specific capabilities include providing theta/beta and alpha/theta ratios, EEG Phase Locking Value (PLV), and EOG metrics like dwell time and blink rate. It should be compatible with existing VR headsets (Varjo XR-3, Quest 3, HTC Vive Vision, Apple Vision Pro) or propose an integrated solution.
• Item 2: Wearable Physiological Sensors: Capable of measuring Heart Rate (HR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). May include chest, arm, and wrist straps. Must include wireless Surface Electromyography (sEMG) sensors for free movement during simulations.
• Item 3: Software License: Required to record biometric sensor data for one participant at a time, with perpetual or 3-year subscription options.
• Vendor Requirements: Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at the time of award.
• Delivery: Delivery shall be completed no later than 30 days after award.
• Electronic Media: Software, Electronic Manuals, and License Key required via US Government Email Address.
• Inspection and Acceptance: Acceptance not expected to exceed 7 business days. NIST will perform a visual inspection upon delivery.
• Training: 5 trainees, 2-4 hours of remote training for end-users.
• Warranty: Base manufacturer warranty acceptable (3-Years).

This document provides the detailed technical specifications and requirements that potential bidders must meet to propose a solution. It outlines the specific hardware and software capabilities, vendor qualifications, delivery timelines, and acceptance criteria. Bidders must ensure their proposals address all specified requirements, including sensor types, data analysis capabilities, compatibility, software licensing, and vendor certifications.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Provisions and Clauses," details the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that will be incorporated into the contract. It serves to inform potential bidders of the regulatory and contractual requirements governing the "Biometric Suite for Improved Virtual Reality Studies" opportunity.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR and CAR provisions that are included by reference, meaning their full text is not provided but they have the same force as if fully stated. Offerors are cautioned that some provisions may require completion and submission with their quotation or offer. The document provides links to access the full text of these provisions.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Similar to provisions, this section lists FAR and CAR clauses incorporated by reference, with links provided for full text access.
• Specific Provisions and Clauses in Full Text: Includes the complete text for certain key provisions and clauses, such as:
  • CAR 1352.233-70 Agency Protests
  • CAR 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests
  • 1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE
  • NIST LOCAL-39 MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
  • NIST LOCAL-53 Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status
  • NIST LOCAL-54 ELECTRONIC BILLING INSTRUCTIONS
  • NIST LOCAL-56 INVOICING PROCESSING PLATFORM-ALTERNATE I

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the legal and procedural framework of the contract. Bidders must review the incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their rights, responsibilities, and obligations, including but not limited to:

• Protest procedures (agency, GAO, and Court of Federal Claims)
• Place of acceptance for supplies and services
• Marking and packing requirements for deliverables
• Procedures for operating status changes at NIST campuses
• Electronic billing and invoicing instructions
• Payment processing through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

Understanding these requirements is essential for preparing a compliant proposal and for successful contract performance if awarded.