Solicitation - High Resolution Near-Infrared Camera

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement for a High Resolution Near-Infrared Camera to support semiconductor wafer inspection during high-frequency RF probing and optical illumination at 1550 nm. This effort is not a formal solicitation and does not obligate the government to award a contract; however, it aims to identify capable vendors to determine whether a small business set-aside will be pursued. The technical requirements specify a camera with sensitivity from 400 nm to 1700 nm, quantum efficiency exceeding 30% between 400 nm and 1600 nm, a minimum resolution of 2560 x 2048 pixels, and a frame rate of at least 60 frames per second at full resolution. The camera must feature a TEC-cooled sensor with a software-selectable temperature setpoint, a sensor area no larger than 1 inch diagonal, 12-bit or higher analog-to-digital conversion, global shutter capability with exposure times from 25 microseconds to 2 seconds, and USB3 or GigE interface with a C-mount lens mount. The device must have a metal body no larger than 100 x 100 x 100 mm, include a ¼-20 mounting hole, and come with software for live image visualization and a DC power supply compatible with US AC voltage. Delivery is expected to Boulder, Colorado, with a target completion date of April 30, 2027, and partial deliveries are acceptable. Vendors must submit a capability statement of five pages or fewer, including company profile, UEI and Cage Code, manufacturing details, product specification sheets, typical lead time including installation and training, and verification of small business status. The NAICS code is 334515 with a small business size standard of 750 employees, and the government explicitly invites responses from all responsible sources including small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, HUBZone firms, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified, the acquisition will be set aside exclusively for small businesses. All respondents must have an active SAM.gov registration and an established Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at the time of award. The response deadline for this market research is July 14, 2026, and