Sources Sought for Replacement Locking Electronics
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 & Technology (NIST) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified vendors for a custom control electronics system replacement for an Ultrastable Cavity-laser System. This is not a request for proposals or quotes. Responses are due by January 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM EST.
Purpose
NIST seeks information on potential and eligible business firms that can provide a custom control electronics system. The market research aims to determine the method of acquisition and identify potential Small Business Set-aside opportunities, considering all categories. Responses are encouraged from businesses of all sizes, including those that manufacture the product in the U.S.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a custom control electronics system to upgrade existing locking electronics for an Ultrastable Cavity-laser System. Key components include:
- A SYNCRO control unit in a 19", 3U enclosure, customized for the existing system.
- Servo loop electronics for Pound-Drever-Hall laser frequency stabilization with a high-bandwidth PIID controller.
- An ORC-TEC Temperature Controller for EOM and vacuum chamber temperature stabilization.
- Installation of the SYNCRO unit at the user's lab in Boulder, CO.
- The vendor must provide a 12-month warranty (labor and parts) and potentially on-site training. Delivery, installation, and training must be completed no later than 10 weeks ARO.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 334515, Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (Small Business Size Standard: 750 employees)
- Set-Aside: To be determined based on market research; all small business categories will be considered. NIST encourages responses from all responsible sources.
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, 6:00 PM EST
- Published: January 21, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four pages, to Lisa Stevens at lisa.stevens@nist.gov. Submissions must include:
- Name of the company providing and manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing specifications.
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. No solicitation is currently available, and the Government will not pay for information received. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.