Notice of Intent to Sole Source - QXDM 5G Software

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to award a sole source firm-fixed-price purchase order to QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES INC. for the Qualcomm Extensible Diagnostic Monitor (QXDM) 5G Software Subscription License, leveraging statutory authority under 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) and simplified acquisition procedures per FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). This determination is based on market research confirming Qualcomm as the exclusive developer and provider of the proprietary QXDM software, which is essential for NIST’s 4G/5G and Wi-Fi protocol research at its Communications Technology Laboratory. The acquisition, identified under NAICS code 513210 with a size standard of $47.0 million, requires three software licenses for QXDM, PCAT, and QCAT applications to enable analysis of key RF performance metrics including SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, PMI, TX power, and path loss. The procurement is not competitive, and no formal evaluation factors, pricing, or contract clauses have been published, as this is a notice of intent issued to assess potential competition before proceeding with a sole source award currently anticipated by June 2026. All interested parties must submit written capability statements by May 29, 2026, to clifford.nicholson@nist.gov, and no formal bids or proposals are required. Delivery of software licenses and related documentation will be electronic to quangvu.le@nist.gov, with acceptance to occur at either the NIST-Boulder or NIST-Gaithersburg facilities within seven business days. Special requirements include strict adherence to U.S. citizenship requirements for any on-site vendor personnel, a limit of three consecutive days for on-site visits, and the designated vendor SME to serve as the primary technical contact. The contract includes up to four annual option periods for license renewals, and compliance is expected to align with standard U.S. electrical specifications without calibration or physical delivery requirements. No MIL-STD, packaging, preservation, or marking specifications are defined, and no formal contracting officer, COR, or COTR designations are listed, with coordination handled through NIST personnel.