Solicitation - Distribution Switches

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a sources sought market research to identify potential suppliers capable of providing Safran Trusted 4D, Inc. brand White Rabbit switches, associated instrumentation, and licenses per the attached technical requirements. This procurement focuses on acquiring two White Rabbit Z16 low-jitter time distribution switches, one Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), and one High-Accuracy Timing IP (HATI) Core license. These components are essential for implementing programmable control systems interoperable with existing White Rabbit Precision Time Protocol infrastructure, enabling sub-nanosecond synchronization across multiple research sites including NIST Gaithersburg, the University of Maryland Joint Quantum Institute, and other DC-QNet partners. While the solicitation is not a request for quotation or a commitment to award, NIST seeks to identify qualified businesses of all sizes, including Small Business Set-asides if at least two qualified small businesses are found. Vendors must demonstrate their capability to supply the brand name products or equivalent solutions by submitting capability statements that include company profile, product manufacturing details, specification compliance, lead times, training offerings, and small business status verification. The acquisition follows NAICS code 335313 for Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing with a 1,250 employee size standard. Deliveries are FOB Destination to NIST Gaithersburg within a lead time not exceeding 12 weeks, with provisions for training up to five users and performance testing included. The critical need for brand compatibility is highlighted due to the precision required for the timing synchronization in advanced quantum and measurement research contexts.