NIST RFQ: Polatis Optical Switches

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is soliciting Firm Fixed Price quotations for two specific Polatis Series 6000 Ultra Secure grade optical switches: an 8x8 model (Part # S-OST-08x08-LA1-HMHNS) and a 16x16 model (Part # S-OST-16x16-LA1-HMWNS), exclusively for integration into the NIST-built Quantum Network Control Plane. This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under FAR 19.5 and falls under NAICS Code 335999, requiring all offerors to be small businesses with active SAM.gov registration, including a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, legal business name, and Taxpayer Identification Number. The solicitation mandates that all equipment be new, factory-original, and procured only through authorized U.S. channels—explicitly prohibiting used, remanufactured, prototype, experimental, custom, or gray market items. Technical submissions must demonstrate that the proposed switches meet or exceed all minimum specifications outlined in the NIST Requirements Document and supporting technical specifications, with failure to meet any requirement resulting in automatic disqualification under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation process. All proposals must be submitted electronically by July 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET in three clearly labeled volumes: Technical Quotation, Price Quotation (including firm fixed prices for each line item, shipping costs, and aggregate total), and Terms and Conditions, with the cover page including the UEI. Shipments must be delivered FOB destination to NIST’s Gaithersburg, MD facility within 75 days of order placement, using original manufacturer packaging with all documentation and software, and must comply with carrier marking and packing standards. Payment will be made in full within 30 days of government acceptance of the fully delivered system, in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, via electronic invoice to INVOICE@NIST.GOV or the Treasury’s IPP system, with no advance or partial payments permitted. The government reserves the right to conduct performance testing in the operational environment, inspect for structural, mechanical, electrical, and software conformity, and verify compliance with statutory requirements including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards, Kickbacks, Procurement Integrity, and other federal laws. Title to