Sources Sought Notice for a Virtually Imaged Phased Arrays (VIPAs)
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 Virtually Imaged Phased Arrays (VIPAs). This market research supports NIST's CHIPS Metrology Program, specifically for research in Grand Challenge 5 related to RF Waveform and Rapid Frequency-Comb Diagnostics for Plasma Etching. Responses are due by February 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
This notice is a market research tool to identify capable vendors for VIPAs. It is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a solicitation, and no award will result directly from this notice. The VIPAs are intended for research to enable time-resolved frequency comb spectroscopy on gas-phase and plasma samples at NIST's Gaithersburg, MD facility.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
NIST anticipates needing a total of six (6) VIPAs across three distinct wavelength ranges:
- Two (2) VIPAs for the 2600 nm to 3100 nm wavelength range.
- Two (2) VIPAs for the 3000 nm to 3700 nm wavelength range.
- Two (2) VIPAs for the 3600 nm to 4600 nm wavelength range.
Each VIPA must meet specific technical specifications, including:
- Substrate Material: Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
- Thickness: >10 mm and <20 mm
- Mirror Reflectivity: Input >= 99%, Output >= 96%
- Line Width: <= 75 MHz (best effort for 50 MHz)
- Free Spectral Range: >= 6 GHz
- Finesse: >= 130
- Length: >= 100 mm
- Width: >= 25 mm
Deliverables include warranty and FOB Destination delivery terms.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested firms should submit documentation demonstrating their capability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Responses should provide evidence of capability through brochures, manuals, reports, videos, or customer identification, rather than merely repeating specifications. Proprietary information should not be included.
Required response information includes:
- Company name and address
- Point of Contact (phone and email)
- Teaming partners (if applicable)
- Classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype)
- Any other pertinent information.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Questions Due: February 2, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Responses Due: February 4, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published Date: January 28, 2026
Contact Information
Questions and responses must be submitted via email only to the contacts below. Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.
- Primary Contact: Ranae M. Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov)