Solicitation - Distribution Switches

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research under solicitation NB676020-26-01839 to identify qualified sources for low-jitter time distribution switches and associated quantum instrumentation systems, with the goal of enabling sub-nanosecond absolute time synchronization across NIST Gaithersburg laboratories, the University of Maryland JQI, and DC-QNet partners. This is a sources-sought announcement, not a formal request for quotation or contract solicitation, and does not obligate the government to make an award. The acquisition targets three specific items: two White Rabbit Z16 (WR-Z16) low-jitter switches capable of sub-one-nanosecond time distribution via IEEE 1588-2008 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), one Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) built on a field-programmable gate array for quantum system control, and one permanent High-Accuracy Timing IP (HATI) Core license activated on a single port of one WR-Z16 to enable interoperability between the QICK and the time distribution network using optical fiber links. All equipment must be new, not used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom, and must not include gray market components unauthorized for sale in the U.S. The NAICS code is 335313, and all small business set-aside categories—including SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, and VOSB—are being considered for potential future award. Responses must be submitted as a capability statement, limited to five pages, containing the company’s unique entity identifier (UEI) and Cage Code, small business status verification, product sourcing details including manufacturer and country of origin, technical documentation such as specification sheets demonstrating compliance with requirements, and typical lead times for delivery, installation, and training. The government requires a lead time of up to twelve weeks from award, with FOB Destination delivery terms placing full responsibility on the contractor for packaging, shipping, and risks until physical receipt and acceptance at NIST’s designated shipping address in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Delivery must be coordinated with NIST’s designated officials due to restricted site access, and all shipments must use original manufacturer packaging and include complete documentation. The contractor must provide on-site training for up to five users at NIST, covering system functions, maintenance, data administration, and basic troubleshooting immediately after installation.