Sources Sought External Hardware for ZCU 216 Boards
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 External Hardware for ZCU-216 Boards. This market research aims to identify potential and eligible business firms, of all sizes, that can provide the specified product, particularly those manufacturing in the U.S., to determine the method of acquisition and potential small business set-aside opportunities. Responses are due by June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NIST's Acquisition Management Division is seeking information on vendors capable of supplying external hardware, specifically "daughter" boards and enclosures, for ZCU-216 boards. This hardware is required by the Advanced Microwave Photonics Group (AMPG) to remap input/output channels of existing ZCU-216 Radio Frequency System-on-Chip (RFSoC) control boards for specific measurement needs. This is a market research tool and not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposals (RFP).
Key Requirements
- Quantity: Three (3) sets of enclosures and daughter boards.
- Compatibility: Must be compatible with ZCU-216 boards and the open-source QICK firmware.
- Enclosure: Must provide a physical enclosure with connector feedthroughs and I/O ports for TTL signals and DACs.
- Output Channels: At least 12 channels (1GHz to 8GHz) and at least 4 channels (DC to 1GHz).
- Input Channels: At least 4 channels (4GHz to 8GHz).
- Condition: All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or gray market components are not acceptable.
- Completeness: Must include all necessary connectors and items for assembly and operation (ZCU-216 boards are not included).
- Packaging: Shipped in original manufacturer's packaging with all documentation and software.
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov. Responses must include:
- Name of the company providing the product(s).
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
This market research will determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist, considering all categories. NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses. The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
Timeline
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: June 12, 2026
Contact Information
For submissions and inquiries, contact Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov or 303-497-7305.