Notice of Intent to Sole Source with Zurich Instruments, AG for Lock-In Amplifier

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This notice indicates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Material Measurements Lab, Materials Science and Engineering Division's intent to procure a lock-in amplifier on a sole source basis from Zurich Instruments, AG. This procurement falls under FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. This is not a Request for Quote, and no award will be made based on this notice.

NIST requires a lock-in amplifier for its Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSED) to support the development of standard reference materials (SRMs) for magnetic moment. This instrument is critical for measuring magnetic materials for next-generation memory and computing. The lock-in amplifier will be integrated into NIST’s custom-built Absolute Magnetometer to accurately and repeatably measure force, enabling the certification of new magnetic SRMs.

• Item: Lock-In Amplifier
• Quantity: One (1)
• Technical Specifications:
  • Frequency range: DC to 8.5 GHz
  • Sampling rate: Up to 4 Giga-samples/s
• Delivery: FOB Destination or equivalent INCOTERM (e.g., DDP)
• Warranty: Inclusive

Interested firms are invited to submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Responses should include:

• Company name and address
• Point of Contact (name, phone, email)
• Teaming partners (if applicable)
• Classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype)
• Any other pertinent information

Note: Do not provide proprietary information. Responses that merely repeat the requirements without demonstration will not be considered.

• Questions Due: February 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET (via email only to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov, CC: Donald.collie@nist.gov)
• Responses Due: February 20, 2026, 6:00 PM ET (via email only to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov, CC: Donald.collie@nist.gov)

Important: Telephone and faxed questions or responses will not be accepted.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is a market research tool to identify potential sources for commercial lock-in amplifiers. It is not a Request for Quote, and no award will be made from this notice. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires this instrument for developing standard reference materials (SRMs) for magnetic moment measurement, critical for next-generation memory and computing. The lock-in amplifier will be integrated into NIST's Absolute Magnetometer.

• One (1) lock-in amplifier, inclusive of warranty.

• FOB Destination delivery terms (or equivalent).

• 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 and connectors.

• Software capable of data downloading (X, Y, R, theta, higher harmonics), spectral analysis, and automated parametric sweeps.

• Two (2) sets of manuals (hard copy or electronic) covering operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

• Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating how they meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Brochures, manuals, reports, videos, technical data, and customer identification are acceptable.

• Do NOT provide proprietary information.

• Responses must include: Company name/address, Point of Contact (phone/email), Teaming partners (if applicable), and classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype).

• Questions must be submitted via email by 02/02/26, 4:00pm ET.

• Responses must be submitted via email to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov no later than 02/02/26, 4:00pm ET.

• Email is the only accepted method for questions and responses; telephone and fax inquiries will not be accepted.