Vector Network Analyzer

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. It constitutes the sole solicitation, and written quotes are requested. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The acquisition is being solicited as unrestricted.

• The primary requirement is for a "Vector Network Analyzer" (CLIN 0001).

• Detailed requirements are specified in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) with solicitation number 1333ND26QNB030046.

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 13, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email quotations to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled into three distinct volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability, meeting SOW requirements with citations, and including manufacturer authorization if applicable).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping costs (FOB Destination) and tariffs. Prices must be valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions to the solicitation's terms and conditions).

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that is technically acceptable. Technical capability will be evaluated based on demonstrated compliance with minimum requirements in the SOW. Price reasonableness will also be assessed.

• This acquisition is solicited as unrestricted.

• Applicable provisions and clauses are those in effect through the RFO (Attachment 2).

• Offerors must identify any foreign-manufactured products and associated tariffs.

• If using an FSS or GWAC contract, the terms and conditions of this solicitation will apply to the resultant purchase order, not the FSS/GWAC terms.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the equipment requirements for the NIST project "RF Waveform and Rapid Frequency-Comb Diagnostics for Plasma Etching," part of the CHIPS metrology program. The primary goal is to develop measurement science (metrology) critical for advancing semiconductor manufacturing processes, specifically focusing on high-power waveform metrology for plasma etching and deposition.

NIST's RF Technology Division requires a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) to close the industry gap in accurately measuring high-power RF waveforms used in semiconductor manufacturing. The VNA will be used to characterize measurement systems, including waveguides, couplers, and connectors, to ensure accurate measurement of RF signals at the plasma chamber reference plane. Key capabilities required include:

• Operation between 200 kHz and 8 GHz.
• Direct receiver access for bypassing internal components.
• Ability to source and measure frequencies across the entire bandwidth.
• Four measurement ports.
• Capability to measure harmonics and intermodulation products via frequency-offset measurements.
• Coherent and simultaneous acquisition of forward and backward waves on all ports.

Optional items include source and receiver step attenuators for ports 1 and 2, and a 2nd LO and RF source to facilitate mixing product measurements.

• The VNA must meet all technical specifications outlined in the "Minimum Requirements" section.

• Acceptance testing may include performance tests where NIST will measure a nonlinear device over various frequencies, and the VNA must acquire meaningful data.

• Visual inspection for surface defects or transport damage.

• Equipment must meet manufacturer's and/or Government's performance specifications.

• Delivery: Within 10 weeks of receipt of order.

• Place of Delivery: NIST Boulder, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO, 80305.

• Place of Performance: The VNA will be manufactured at the manufacturer's site and delivered to NIST in Boulder.

• All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom items are not acceptable.

• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.

• Items must be shipped in original manufacturer’s packaging with all original documentation and software.

• Delivery terms are F.O.B Destination.

• Ownership transfers to NIST upon acceptance.

• Inspection and acceptance to be completed within 30 working days of receipt.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference. It also includes the full text for FAR 52.107-4, FAR 52.212-4, FAR 52.225-6, FAR 52.225-18, FAR 52.240-90, and several NIST local clauses. Bidders must review these provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements if awarded a contract.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-1): Lists provisions that are part of the solicitation but not included in full text. Bidders may need to complete certain blocks and submit them with their offer.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-2): Lists clauses that will be part of the resulting contract. Full text is available upon request or electronically.
• List of Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: A comprehensive list of FAR and DFARS clauses and provisions, many with "DEVIATION JAN 2026" indicating recent changes.
• Full Text Clauses: Includes the complete text for FAR 52.107-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services), FAR 52.225-6 (Trade Agreements Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications), and several NIST local clauses (e.g., Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status, Electronic Billing Instructions, Invoicing Processing Platform).

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, paying close attention to those with deviations. Key areas to note include:

• Representations and Certifications: Many clauses require specific representations and certifications, particularly regarding System for Award Management (SAM), foreign trade, and security prohibitions (e.g., covered telecommunications equipment, Sudan, Iran).
• Contract Terms: FAR 52.107-4 outlines standard terms and conditions for commercial items, including definitions, inspection/acceptance, changes, disputes, payment, termination, and warranty.
• Trade Agreements and Place of Manufacture: Bidders must certify the origin of end products.
• Security Requirements: Specific representations are required regarding covered telecommunications equipment, services, and operations in certain countries.
• NIST Specifics: Instructions for invoicing, contract performance during NIST operating status changes, and protest procedures are provided.