Cesium Beam Atomic Clock

The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to identify potential vendors capable of supplying a Cesium beam atomic clock. This effort is a Sources Sought notice rather than a formal solicitation, meaning it is intended solely to gather information from businesses that can meet the technical requirements before deciding on the procurement approach. NIST is interested in responses from both small and large businesses, particularly those manufacturing the product in the United States, and will consider small business set-aside opportunities if sufficient qualified small business firms are identified. Respondents are asked to provide detailed capability statements limited to four pages, including company information, country of manufacture, product specifications, lead times, and any relevant background to assist in finalizing the acquisition strategy. This action is categorized under NAICS code 334519, which includes manufacturers of measuring and controlling devices, with a small business size standard of 600 employees. No contract is currently being awarded, nor will any commitments be made as a result of this notice, and no quotes are to be submitted at this stage. The deadline for submissions is May 14, 2026, and all responses must be sent electronically to the designated contact at NIST. The final award, which may be competitive or non-competitive, will be posted on the System for Award Management site, reflecting the outcome of this preliminary market research. The place of performance is Boulder, Colorado, while the contracting office is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.