5G Open Radio Access Network Time-Sensitive Networking Support Services

Statement of Work (SOW)

To document, validate, and support operational research activities for NIST's industrial wireless 5G testbed environments, specifically focusing on 5G NR and Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) architectures integrated with Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities.

• Provide technical documentation, system characterization, and research support for the NIST Industrial Wireless Systems 5G NR and ORAN testbed environments.
• Focus on synchronization mechanisms and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities for smart manufacturing applications.

Task 1: As-Built Design and Operation Report

• Produce a comprehensive report detailing the 5G NR and 5G NR ORAN Testbed Design and Operations.
• Deliverables include: Network architecture diagrams, hardware inventory, software stack documentation, software component configuration, synchronization architecture, interface specifications, deployment procedures, operational troubleshooting guide, performance benchmarks, and system security architecture.
• Report must be a minimum of 50 pages (excluding appendices) and in Word format with original diagrams in PowerPoint.

Task 2: Research Activities Support: Wireless Clock Synchronization

• Implement and evaluate wireless clock synchronization techniques within the NIST 5G NR ORAN testbed.
• Configure synchronization protocols (e.g., IEEE 1588 PTP).
• Conduct performance testing for synchronization accuracy, latency, and jitter.
• Deliver a technical report on synchronization architecture, test methodology, performance measurements, and recommendations.

Task 3: Research Activities Support: TSN Functionality

• Integrate TSN capabilities with the NIST 5G ORAN environment.

• Configure TSN scheduling and traffic shaping mechanisms.

• Conduct latency and determinism testing.

• Deliver a TSN Integration and Performance Evaluation Report.

• First Draft As-Built TSN ORAN System Architecture Report: 6 months ARO

• Final As-Built TSN ORAN System Architecture Report: 12 months ARO

• Monthly Status Reports: Monthly

07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027

NIST, Gaithersburg campus and contractor office in Maryland.

• One (1) Key Personnel: Wireless Networks Research Engineer with demonstrated experience in 5G and 5G ORAN research and testbed deployments.

• Vendor must provide information on at least one relevant prior project.

• Align with 3GPP NR standards, ORAN Alliance architecture specifications, and IEEE 802.1 TSN standards.

• Comply with all NIST IT security practices.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the applicable provisions and clauses for the "Procurement of 5G Open Radio Access Network Time-Sensitive Networking Support Services" (1333ND26QNB670129). It details the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the contract.

This document primarily lists and incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses. These cover a wide range of contractual aspects, including:

• Solicitation provisions (FAR 52.252-1)

• Contract clauses (FAR 52.252-2)

• Certification and disclosure requirements

• Representations and certifications

• Instructions to offerors for commercial products and services

• Evaluation of options

• Site visit requirements

• Restrictions on subcontractor sales

• Contractor code of business ethics and conduct

• Whistleblower rights

• Limitations on payments to influence federal transactions

• Prohibition on requiring internal confidentiality agreements

• Reporting executive compensation and subcontract awards

• System for Award Management (SAM) requirements

• Prohibition on contracting with inverted domestic corporations

• Responsibility matters

• Small business program requirements

• Child labor and trafficking in persons prohibitions

• Drug-free workplace policies

• Payment by electronic funds transfer

• Unenforceability of unauthorized obligations

• Protest procedures (agency, GAO, and Court of Federal Claims)

• Place of acceptance

• Contract performance during changes in NIST operating status

• Billing instructions and invoicing platform requirements (IPP)

• The document references the "Procurement of 5G Open Radio Access Network Time-Sensitive Networking Support Services" with solicitation number 1333ND26QNB670129.

• It specifies the place of acceptance as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD.

• Offerors are cautioned that listed provisions may include blocks to be completed and submitted with their quotation or offer.

• Full text of provisions and clauses can be accessed electronically via provided URLs.

• Billing instructions require electronic submission via email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV and through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

• A waiver request process for IPP is outlined.

• Several provisions relate to small business programs (e.g., FAR 52.204-5, FAR 52.219-28).

• Specific clauses address representations regarding corporations and responsibility matters.

• The document emphasizes that offerors must check the NIST website for campus operating status and adhere to requirements.

• It details procedures for agency protests, GAO protests, and Court of Federal Claims protests, including specific addresses and contact information for the Contracting Officer and Contract Law Division.

• It outlines procedures for handling contract performance during changes in NIST operating status, including work stoppages during appropriation lapses.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services for 5G Open Radio Access Network Time-Sensitive Networking Support Services. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires these services for the Communication Technology Laboratory (CTL) at their Gaithersburg, MD campus. This announcement is the only solicitation; no written solicitation will be issued.

• The core requirement is for "5G Open Radio Access Network Time-Sensitive Networking Support Services."

• Detailed requirements are specified in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The contract type will be a firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• The acquisition is being solicited as a 100% small business set-aside.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, with a small business size standard of $19 million in annual revenue.

• Due Date for Quotations: Electronic quotations must be received by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on April 2, 2026.

• Submission Method: Via email to robert.cowins@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries: Questions must be submitted in writing by March 21, 2026, to robert.cowins@nist.gov. Responses will be provided in a solicitation amendment.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be divided into distinct volumes: Technical Quotation and Price Quotation.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror whose quotation offers the best value, based on the following factors in descending order of importance: 1) Technical Capability, 2) Technical Key Personnel, 3) Past Performance, and 4) Price. Non-price factors are more important than price.

• This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside.

• Offerors must possess an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and through final payment.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06 (August 27, 2025, effective October 1, 2025) and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

• Offerors must clearly state acceptance of terms and conditions or list any exceptions.

• The Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions based solely upon initial quotes.