Fiber Fusion Splicer

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a sources sought notice to identify vendors capable of supplying a fiber fusion splicer and cleaver designed for multi-core and hollow-core fibers, following specific technical requirements. This announcement is strictly for information gathering and is not a request for proposals or quotes, nor does it guarantee a future contract. NIST is especially interested in understanding the manufacturing origins of the product as well as determining if qualified small businesses exist that could fulfill the requirement, which could lead to a small business set-aside procurement. Responses are requested from all responsible firms, regardless of size, with emphasis on providing detailed company and product information, including the country of manufacture, product data sheets, lead times, and any other pertinent details to aid in finalizing the acquisition strategy. Respondents should submit capability statements of no more than four pages electronically by the specified deadline, ensuring proprietary information is clearly marked. NIST will use this input to decide on the method of acquisition and potential solicitation issuance via the System for Award Management. The contract falls under NAICS code 335921 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The market research aims to clarify the availability and suitability of commercial products before formal procurement steps, with points of contact and key dates clearly specified for interested vendors to respond by May 18, 2026.