Sources Sought - Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers

4/24/26 - Q&A:

Q: “Potential typo in NB672010-26-01408. In Specification 1.1 Frequency range 100kHz to 22 GHz. Should it state instead 220GHz?”

A: While the exact upper frequency range might not be correct, the extender head driver has some elements of VNA but it is not a VNA by itself. The extender head driver is only a VNA when combined with extender heads. As such it only has sources up 22 GHz (potentially up to 26.5 GHz).

Q: "Can you please provide the model and serial number of the VDI modules so we can determine compatibility with our VNA’s?"

A: “The extender heads are VDI. They are WR6, WR5, and WR3 VDI extender heads. Exact serial numbers are not providable at this time because they have not been delivered.”

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Acquisition Management Division

Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.

It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition.

The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide Vector Network Analyzer Extender Head Drivers per the Specifications attached herein.

This announcement is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicitation is currently available. Additionally, The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation.

Based on this Sources Sought announcement, NIST may conduct a competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) website and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfil the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside. However, NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses (SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB). This requirement is assigned NAICS 334515 – Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirement should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to five (5) pages or less. Responses should include the following information:

1. Company Profile to include number of employees, office location(s), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and Cage Code.

2. Name of company that will provide the product.

3. Name of company that will manufacture and country of origin of the product.

4. Specification sheets and examples of products that meet the Specifications attached herein.

5. Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of award to include installation time and any necessary training that is provided.

6. Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.

7. Any other relevant information that is not listed above which the Government should consider in developing our requirement and finalizing our market research.

(Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered).

REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW:

See the attached Specifications document.