SOURCES SOUGHT: Type N and 2.4 mm Power Transfer Standards
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 Type N and 2.4 mm Power Transfer Standards. This market research aims to identify capable vendors and determine if a Small Business Set-Aside is appropriate for a future acquisition. Responses are due by May 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on firms that can provide specific Type N and 2.4 mm Power Transfer Standards for its Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Radio Frequency Technology Division. These standards are crucial for supporting research and measurement services in radio frequency and microwave power, as part of an agreement with the Navy Primary Standards Laboratory.
The requirement includes:
- Four Type N Power Transfer Standards: Comprising Impedance-Matched (3), Open Circuit (1), Short Circuit (1), and Mismatch Circuit (1). These require a 50 Ω Type N coaxial interface, an RF frequency range of DC to 18 GHz, specific reflection coefficient limits, a maximum input power of at least 20 dBm, a DC heater, and a thermopile. Each standard requires a 1.5m cable.
- Four 2.4 mm Power Transfer Standards: Also including Impedance-Matched (3), Open Circuit (1), Short Circuit (1), and Mismatch Circuit (1). These standards feature a 2.4 mm coaxial interface, an RF frequency range from DC to 50 GHz, and a reflection coefficient magnitude limit less than 0.15. Each also requires a 1.5m cable. Detailed dimensions and mass limits are specified for all items.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS: 334515 – Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (Small Business Size Standard: 750 employees)
- Response Due: May 5, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: April 23, 2026
- Anticipated Delivery: No later than 4 months after contract award (if a solicitation results).
- Vendor Requirements: Firms must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at the time of any potential award.
Set-Aside
None specified at this stage. This is a market research effort to determine potential small business set-aside opportunities. NIST will consider all small business categories (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, VOSB). If at least two qualified small businesses are identified, the subsequent acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set-aside. Responses are encouraged from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to five (5) pages. Submissions must include:
- Company Profile (employees, office locations, 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 requirements.
- Typical lead time for delivery, installation, and any provided training.
- Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.
- Any other relevant information for requirement development.
Additional Notes
This announcement is not a Request for Quotation and does not commit the Government to award a contract. The Government will not pay for any information received. Shipping will be to NIST-Boulder, CO. Partial delivery is acceptable.