Sources Sought Notice for Mass comparator with 10 kg capacity and 1 mg readability
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, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a mass comparator with specific capabilities. This is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation. Responses are due by February 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST's Sensor Science Division (SSD) is seeking information on commercial products/services for a mass comparator with the following minimum specifications:
- Capacity: 10 kg
- Readability (Resolution): 1 mg
- Repeatability: < 2 mg (without vibration isolation)
- Temperature Drift: < 0.0004 % of reading/°C
- Settling Time: < 5 seconds
- Footprint: Able to fit a 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft area (excluding manufacturer-supplied draft shields)
- Feature: Capability for a "hanging" hook for weighing suspended objects
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified; market research is being conducted to determine potential small business participation.
- Response Due: February 4, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: January 21, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD, United States
Submission & Evaluation
- Responses should be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact, Forest Crumpler (forest.crumpler@nist.gov).
- Responses must be in Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format.
- Do not include proprietary information.
- Responses shall not exceed 3 pages, including attachments.
- Companies must be registered and "active" in SAM.gov to be considered for future solicitations.
- Respondents should indicate their business size (small or other than small business) and provide information regarding applicable NAICS codes and small business size standards.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. NIST reserves the right to use the information provided for any purpose deemed necessary. Respondents should ensure their response is complete and detailed to demonstrate capability.