Sources Sought Notice for a 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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Rapid Acquisition Mid-Infrared Camera System. This is a market research effort to identify potential sources capable of providing the specified system to support the CHIPS Metrology Program in Gaithersburg, MD. This notice is not a Request for Quote, and no award will be made from it. Responses are due by February 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires this camera system to enable advanced optical diagnostics for studying chemical transformations in plasma etching, a critical step in semiconductor manufacturing, as part of Grand Challenge 5 of the CHIPS Metrology Program. The requirement is for one (1) Rapid Acquisition Mid-Infrared Camera System, including specific components such as the FAST M3K (IR-FAST_IR-3K) Calibration for Spectrometer, an Image Acquisition Card, a Cameralink Cable, and an SDK Kit for MD. The system must be delivered FOB Destination and include a one-year warranty.
Key Technical Specifications
The camera system must feature an InSb sensor with 320x256 pixels, a pixel pitch of ≤35 microns, an exposure time of ≤1 microsecond, a maximum full frame rate of ≥3000 Hz, and a maximum sub-window frame rate of ≥100,000 Hz. It should have a NETD of ≤30 mK, standard temperature calibration, minimum 16 GB internal memory, and a well depth of ≥3 Me-. The Image Acquisition Card must be Camera Link compatible with a PCIe interface and include a ≥5m cable. The SDK must be compatible with MATLAB 2024 or newer and enable basic camera functions.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Questions Deadline: February 3, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only)
- Response Deadline: February 5, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only)
- Published: January 29, 2026
Submission Instructions
Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications, such as brochures, manuals, reports, or videos. Submissions should include the company name/address, Point of Contact (phone/email), any teaming partners, and classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype). Do NOT provide proprietary information. All responses must be emailed to Ranae Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov) and Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov). Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.