Solicitation- Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers

The solicitation NB672010-26-01408, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Department of Commerce, seeks proposals for the development of three Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers to support advanced electromagnetic measurements in the WR6, WR5, and WR3 frequency bands (75–325 GHz). These drivers must interface directly with Virginia Diodes, Inc. extender heads and operate without external couplers, with technical performance thresholds including a frequency range of 100 kHz to 22 GHz, 133 dB dynamic range at 10 Hz IFBW, output power between –60 dBm and +15 dBm, and trace noise no greater than 1 mdB rms at 3 kHz IFBW. Acceptance will occur at NIST Boulder via S-parameter measurements calibrated against NIST standards, with delivery required no later than 24 weeks after order release. Vendors must hold an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on SAM.gov and possess a valid Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at award. A U.S. citizen must be present on-site during performance, and foreign nationals require 30-day pre-registration. The contract allows up to four option periods, and travel costs must be estimated in proposals or will be reimbursed under Federal Travel Regulation guidelines. The solicitation was amended on May 5, 2026, with updated specifications included in an attached ZIP file containing the RFQ and supporting documents, and responses are due by May 13, 2026. Proposals must be submitted to either NIST Boulder or Gaithersburg, with no formal evaluation factors or pricing details published in the solicitation materials, indicating the award will be based on compliance and technical merit without disclosed weighting or cost competitiveness criteria. Packaging, marking, and preservation standards are not specified, and no formal contract clauses, inspection criteria beyond S-parameter testing, or invoicing methods are defined in the provided documentation.