Notice of Intent to Sole Source with Telops USA, Inc for Rapid Acquisition Mid-Infrared Camera System
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) intends to procure a Rapid Acquisition Mid-Infrared Camera System on a sole source basis from Telops USA, Inc. This system is crucial for the CHIPS Metrology Program in Gaithersburg, MD. Other interested parties capable of meeting the specified requirements must submit documentation by February 20, 2026.
Purpose & Background
NIST's Material Measurements Lab, Chemical Sciences Division, requires this camera system to support Grand Challenge 5 of the CHIPS Metrology Program. The system will enable advanced optical diagnostics for studying chemical transformations in plasma etching processes, which are critical for semiconductor manufacturing. This notice is an intent to sole source under FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and is not a Request for Quote.
Scope & Requirements
NIST requires one (1) Rapid Acquisition Mid-Infrared Camera System, specifically the Telops USA FAST M3K (IR-FAST_IR-3K) Calibration for Spectrometer (IRC-CUST4). The system includes the camera, calibration, an image acquisition card, a Cameralink cable, and an SDK Kit. Delivery terms are FOB Destination (or equivalent DDP), with a one-year warranty.
Key Salient Characteristics include:
- Full frame rate:
>= 3000 Hz - Minimum internal memory:
16 GB - Sensor pixel pitch:
<= 35 microns - InSb sensor type, 320x256 pixels, exposure time
<= 1 microsecond, max sub-window frame rate>= 100,000 Hz, NETD<= 30 mK, well depth>= 3 Me-. - Image Acquisition Card: Camera Link compatible, PCIe interface, with a
>= 5mCameralink cable. - SDK: Compatible with MATLAB 2024 or newer, enabling basic camera functions.
Contract Details
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
- Product Service Code: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
Submission Instructions
Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet all minimum requirements and technical specifications. This should include brochures, manuals, reports, or videos. Do NOT provide proprietary information. Responses should include:
- Company name and address
- Point of Contact (phone and email)
- Teaming partners (if applicable)
- Classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype) Responses that merely repeat specifications without demonstration will not be considered.
Deadlines & Contact
- Questions Due: February 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET (via email only)
- Responses Due: February 20, 2026, 6:00 PM ET (via email only)
- Primary Contact: Ranae M. Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov) Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.