WR4 On-Wafer Probes

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides a single question and answer related to RFQ NB672030-26-00446, offering a technical clarification for potential bidders.

• Question: What is the pad metal (to determine tip material)?
• Answer: The Government's technical point of contact clarified that the pad metals are typically gold and aluminum, with some being gold and some being aluminum.

This clarification provides specific technical information regarding material composition, which is crucial for bidders to accurately determine and propose suitable tip materials. It does not indicate any changes to submission deadlines or other procedural requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) need for WR4 on-wafer probes. These probes are required for performing load-pull measurements at 220 GHz in the millimeter-wave frequency bands.

• Item: WR4 Waveguide Probe (Quantity: 4 EACH)

• Specifications:

  • Operate from 170 to 260 GHz.
  • 50 um GSG tip configuration.
  • Integrate a bias tee.
  • No micro-coax on probe tips transition.
  • Probe-tip return loss from 100 MHz to 100 GHz must be less than -4 dB max.

• Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at the time of award.

• Must possess a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) registered as "Active" on SAM.gov at the time of award.

• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder or NIST-Gaithersburg (specifics provided at award).

• Delivery Date Criteria: Specific dates for delivery are to be determined.

• Inspection and Acceptance: Not expected to exceed 7 business days.

Not specified in this document.

• The document details various considerations for installation, facility/utility, electronic manuals, training, warranty, calibration, and maintenance, which potential bidders should review.
• Travel requirements should be included as part of relevant sections or as a separate line item.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 12. It constitutes the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is procuring "WR4 On-Wafer Probes" under NAICS code 334515.

• The primary deliverable is "WR4 On-Wafer Probes" (CLIN 0001).

• Detailed requirements are provided in "Attachment 1 - Requirements / Specifications Document".

• Offerors must demonstrate technical capability to meet or exceed these requirements.

• Quotes must include country of origin/manufacture and any applicable Export Control Numbers.

• Technical Capability documentation should be concise (max 6 single-sided pages, 11-point font) and include narrative, charts, graphs, tables, and drawings.

• A firm fixed price is required.

• The contract type will be a firm-fixed price purchase order.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB Destination, are detailed in the Requirements/Specifications document.

• Payment Terms: Net 30.

• Acceptance is not expected to exceed 7 days.

• Quotations must be submitted electronically to clifford.nicholson@nist.gov by the specified closing date and time.

• Evaluation will be based on a best-value trade-off plan, considering both price and non-price factors.

• Factor 1: Technical Capability (demonstrated understanding and ability to meet requirements).

• Factor 2: Price (evaluated for reasonableness; price realism will not be conducted).

• Technical quotations that are primarily a copy-paste of the requirements will be deemed unacceptable.

• Key deadlines: The solicitation closing date and time are specified in the document.

• This requirement is solicited on an unrestricted basis.

• Offerors must have and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and complete required Representations and Certifications.

• All communications and documents must include solicitation number NB672030-26-00446.

• Invoices/Vouchers must be submitted electronically via email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV or through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

• NIST LOCAL-39 MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS and NIST LOCAL-53 CONTRACT PERFORMANCE DURING CHANGES IN NIST OPERATING STATUS are applicable.

• Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is NOT applicable.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific requirements and specifications for WR4 on-wafer probes needed for load-pull measurements at 220 GHz. It details the technical specifications, vendor requirements, and various ancillary services and considerations.

• Item Specifications: Requires 4 units of WR4 Waveguide Probes with specifications including:
  • Operating frequency range: 170 to 260 GHz
  • Tip configuration: 50 um GSG
  • Integration of a bias tee
  • No micro-coax on probe tips transition
  • Probe-tip return loss less than -4 dB max from 100 MHz to 100 GHz.
• Vendor Requirements:
  • Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
  • Must possess a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) registered as "Active" on GSA SAM.gov.
• Shipping & Delivery: Specifies shipping addresses for both NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg, with criteria for partial delivery, direct delivery to OU Building, and a required delivery date no later than a specified date.
• Other Sections: Includes placeholders for installation, facility/utility considerations, electronic manuals, inspection and acceptance, training, warranty, calibration, maintenance, government-furnished material/equipment, and travel requirements.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it defines the exact technical specifications of the probes required, the quantity, and essential vendor qualifications. It also outlines crucial logistical information such as shipping and delivery, and provides a framework for other contractual elements like warranty, maintenance, and training, which will be necessary for preparing a comprehensive and compliant proposal.