Sources Sought - Transceiver-based Optical Pulse Generator Development Platform
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) is conducting a Sources Sought for a Transceiver-based Optical Pulse Generator Development Platform. This market research aims to identify potential vendors, including those capable of providing Xilinx brand compatible equipment, to inform a future acquisition strategy. Responses are due March 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks a Transceiver-based Optical Pulse Generator Development Platform with specific technical requirements:
- Must include at least four QSFP-DD cages.
- Must include a PCIe connector.
- Must have at least two slots for 8 GB of RAM each.
- FPGA must be from Xilinx (e.g., Virtex UltraScale+ or equivalent) with 26.5 Gb/s or faster transceivers.
- FPGA clocks must be referenceable to external PPS and 10 MHz clock signals.
- Communication with the FPGA via USB 2 or 3.
- Generator with QSFP-DD cages must fit within a standard full-size PCIe slot and be accessible from the front.
- Must be an established commercial product; experimental, prototype, or custom items are not acceptable.
- Must be a new item with a full manufacturer's warranty and U.S.-based service.
Vendors must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at the time of award. The place of performance is NIST-Boulder, CO.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: Potential Small Business Set-aside (if at least two qualified small businesses are identified).
- NAICS: 334111 – Electronic Computer Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,250 employees).
- Response Due: March 4, 2026, 7:00 PM EST
- Published: February 24, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements (limited to five pages) including:
- Company Profile (employees, office location(s), UEI, Cage Code).
- Name of company providing the product.
- Name of manufacturer and country of origin.
- Specification sheets and examples of products meeting the attached Specifications.
- Typical lead time, installation time, and training provided.
- Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.
- Any other relevant information for requirement development and market research.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract. NIST will not pay for information received. The results will determine the acquisition method and potential for a small business set-aside. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, VOSB).