Sources Sought - Distribution Switches
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 conducting a Sources Sought for Safran Trusted 4D, Inc. White Rabbit distribution switches and associated equipment. This market research aims to identify capable vendors for precise time synchronization systems. Responses are due by June 10, 2026.
Purpose
NIST seeks information on vendors capable of providing Safran Trusted 4D, Inc. brand White Rabbit switches, a Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), and a High-Accuracy Timing IP (HATI) Core license. The objective is to achieve absolute time synchronization to sub-nanosecond precision across NIST Gaithersburg, University of Maryland JQI, and other DC-QNet partners. The system must ensure interoperability with existing WR-PTP infrastructure and compatibility with the QICK open-source platform.
Scope of Work / Key Requirements
- Two (2) WR-Z16 low-jitter time distribution switches: Must support WR-PTP, PTP, and NTP time sources, with hardware version 5.0 or greater, sub-100 ps peak-to-peak time error, and optical fiber time distribution.
- One (1) Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK): A network control platform compatible with HATI and WR-Z16, featuring time tagger capability (sub-10 ps jitter rms) and DAC outputs up to 10 GHz.
- One (1) High-Accuracy Timing IP (HATI) Core license: A permanent license for QICK integration and interoperability with WR-Z16 switches.
- Training: Required for up to 5 users at NIST.
- Warranty: Minimum of five years after receipt of equipment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS: 335313 – Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,250 employees).
- Response Due: June 10, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.
- Published: May 29, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO.
- Anticipated Lead Time (for future contract): Up to 12 weeks.
Set-Aside
No set-aside is currently designated. This market research will determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. NIST will consider all small business categories and may solicit as a small business set-aside if at least two qualified small businesses are identified. Responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, are encouraged.
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements (limited to five pages or less) including:
- Company Profile (employees, locations, UEI, CAGE Code).
- Name of company providing the product.
- Manufacturer and country of origin.
- Specification sheets and product examples meeting requirements.
- Typical lead time for delivery, installation, and training.
- Identification and verification of small business status.
- Any other relevant information for requirement development.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to an award. While the requirement specifies brand name Safran Trusted 4D, Inc. products, the Government will review and consider any interested business organizations that demonstrate capability to meet the requirements.