Multi-Channel 12 GHz Microwave Synthesizer

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is soliciting a multi-channel 12 GHz microwave synthesizer under solicitation number NB688000-26-01171, issued as a combined synopsis/solicitation under FAR 13 for simplified acquisition procedures. The instrument must generate five independent microwave signals—three up to 12 GHz and two up to 6 GHz—with high phase stability, reference external 10 or 100 MHz signals, support digital frequency and amplitude sweeps, and be fully controllable via a graphical user interface (GUI) without a front panel. Key technical requirements include a frequency resolution of at least 0.001 Hz, harmonic amplitude below -25 dBc over 1–10 GHz, and SSB phase noise below -90 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset and -110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset at 6 GHz. The deliverables include one fully configured synthesizer, the associated GUI software, installation, and training at NIST’s Boulder, Colorado facility, all to be completed within twelve weeks of award. Evaluation will follow a lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) approach, where proposals must be rated acceptable on technical capability before price reasonableness is considered. All submissions must be made electronically via email to angela.hitt@nist.gov and include two separate volumes: a firm-fixed-price quotation and a technical response that directly references and demonstrates compliance with the detailed specifications, avoiding mere statements of conformance. The contract requires FOB destination delivery to NIST’s Boulder location, with the contractor bearing all transportation costs and risks until receipt. Payment must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or by email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV, and contractors must be actively registered in SAM with a valid Unique Entity ID. Offerors must complete small business and socioeconomic representations per FAR 52.219-1, including disclosures if participating in a joint venture, and adhere to mandatory sourcing restrictions under the AbilityOne Program, requiring approval for any substitution from approved nonprofit agencies. Packaging must follow NIST LOCAL-39 instructions, with containers labeled with the contract number, CLIN, sequential numbering for multi-container units, and an itemized packing list. First article approval may involve either contractor or government testing, and the contractor must ensure traceable calibration certification and compliance with U.S. standards for power, environmental conditions