8.5 GHz Lock-in Amplifier

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking an 8.5 GHz lock-in amplifier through a sole-source procurement under an Advance Contract Award Notice, with a submission deadline of May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT. The system must meet three non-negotiable technical requirements: it must have at least two channels, operate from DC to a minimum of 8 GHz within a single integrated unit without relying on frequency multiplication, and include at least two auxiliary outputs for synchronization. These criteria serve as pass/fail thresholds for eligibility, with no scoring or price-based evaluation; only suppliers who fully demonstrate compliance with all requirements will be considered. The procurement is justified under multiple trade agreement exceptions, including the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and agreements with Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Korea, and Panama, due to the absence of alternative suppliers capable of delivering equivalent technical performance. Zurich Instruments AG is the pre-identified and sole known provider capable of meeting these specifications, as no other vendor offers an integrated lock-in amplifier operating up to 8.5 GHz without compromising signal synchronization. The equipment must be delivered within 12 weeks of contract award, with delivery addressed to Canada, though the exact location is not specified. Submission of a Statement of Capabilities via email to Daniel Rusthoven of the NRC is the only required action from potential suppliers, with no page limits, formatting rules, or financial details provided at this stage. No contract value, payment terms, invoicing method, packaging specifications, or contracting officer representative are included, as this is a pre-award notice centered on technical exclusivity rather than competitive bidding. Intellectual property, socioeconomic set-asides, and security requirements are not applicable.