Sources Sought Notice for a Lock-In Amplifier
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a commercial lock-in amplifier. This market research aims to support NIST's development of standard reference materials (SRMs) for magnetic moment measurement, crucial for next-generation memory and computing, and integration into their Absolute Magnetometer. Responses are due by February 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) lock-in amplifier with warranty, delivered FOB Destination. The amplifier must meet specific technical specifications, including:
- Operating frequency range: DC up to at least 8.5 GHz
- Input/Output Impedance: 50 Ω
- Dual channel with at least four demodulators per channel
- ADC Resolution: 14-bit; Sampling Rate: 4 GSa/s
- Filter time constant: 14 ns – 21 s
- Input Noise: at most 3.5 nV/(Hz)1/2
- Input Range: at least 10 mV to 1 V; Output Range: at least 10 mV to 0.5 V
- Dynamic Reserve: 100 dB
- Computer Connectors: USB; Power: 115 V/60 Hz/single phase
- All necessary cables, connectors, and software for data downloading (X, Y, R, theta, higher harmonics), spectral analysis, and automated parametric sweeps.
- Two (2) sets of manuals (hard copy or electronic).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published Date: January 26, 2026
- Questions Due: February 2, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Responses Due: February 2, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Submission & Evaluation
Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Acceptable documentation includes brochures, manuals, reports, videos, technical data, and customer identification. Proprietary information should not be included. Responses must detail the company name/address, Point of Contact (phone/email), teaming partners (if applicable), and classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype). This is for market research only; no award will be made from this notice.
Contact Information
All questions and responses must be submitted via email to Ranae M. Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov) and Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov). Telephone and fax inquiries will not be accepted.