Cesium Beam Atomic Clock
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is soliciting proposals for a Cesium Beam Atomic Clock. This procurement is essential for maintaining NIST's ensemble time scale, which generates UTC(NIST), requiring a highly stable and reliable device. Responses are due June 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) Cesium beam atomic clock with stringent technical and performance specifications. Key requirements include:
- Performance: Specific short-term and long-term stability (Allan Deviation), output signal frequencies (5 MHz, 10 MHz, PPS), and coarse synchronization input.
- Power: AC (120V or 208V, 60 Hz) and 24V DC auxiliary power, with a minimum 30-minute battery backup or external battery pack connection. Power consumption must be less than 100 W.
- Interface: Digital control, monitoring, and precision frequency adjustment capabilities via serial, Ethernet, or similar interfaces, including status reporting.
- Physical & Environmental: Compatibility with EIA-compliant racks (width < 482.6 mm), operation within 15°C – 45°C, with specified temperature coefficient and magnetic field sensitivity.
- Reliability: Demonstrated Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) greater than 10 years.
- Ancillary Services: Requirements cover planning, shipping, installation, warranty, training, inspection, maintenance, and potential travel.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, 8:00 PM ET
- Published: May 26, 2026
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO
Evaluation
Bidders must ensure their proposed Cesium beam atomic clock meets all detailed technical specifications and performance requirements outlined in the Statement of Requirements document to be considered compliant.
Additional Notes
This opportunity is issued by the DEPT OF COMMERCE NIST. For inquiries, contact de Ionne Jones at deionne.jones@nist.gov.