Open RAN Cellular End-to-End System Software and Support

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement to identify qualified vendors capable of providing an Open RAN Cellular End-to-End System software with associated support services, as outlined in the attached draft Specifications. This is not a Request for Quotation and does not obligate the government to award a contract; it is solely intended to assess industry capabilities and determine potential small business set-aside opportunities. Vendors must submit a capability statement of five pages or less, including company profile details such as number of employees, office locations, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and CAGE Code, along with the name of the entity providing and manufacturing the product and its country of origin. Responses must also include specification sheets and product examples demonstrating compliance with the requirements, typical lead time for delivery including installation and training, and verification of small business status under NAICS code 513210, which has a $47 million size standard. All responses must come from responsible sources, including small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, VOSB) and large businesses, with the government considering all small business set-aside categories. To be eligible for any future award, vendors must possess an active UEI registration on SAM.gov and hold a valid Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). The product must deliver Radio Intelligence (RIC) capability in the 78 GHz band and include an MX-PDK 3-Node Software License with integrated components such as MX-5G, MX-RIC, MX-DATA, and Open RAN Studio emulation, plus a three-year Hosted DevOps and Application Support Management service covering technical support, updates, and a ticketing system. Installation requires 40 hours of onsite work via Microsoft Teams, with training delivered virtually and including operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety. The software, manuals, and license keys must be delivered electronically to azizollah.kord@nist.gov, while physical delivery of hardware and related materials must be made to NIST-Boulder, Boulder, CO. Delivery must occur within three months of award, and warranty coverage must include labor, parts, travel, and return liability for a three-year period with response times within five business days. Acceptance is expected within seven business days following functional testing and KPI verification. No compensation is provided for submissions, and marketing materials are expressly excluded from consideration.