Notice of Intent to Sole Source - QXDM 5G Software
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) has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Qualcomm Extensible Diagnostic Monitor (QXDM) 5G Software Subscription Licenses. NIST intends to negotiate with QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES INC. as the sole provider due to the proprietary nature of the software. Interested parties must demonstrate their capability to meet the requirement by May 29, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NIST's Acquisition Management Division seeks to acquire three (3) QXDM 5G Software Subscription Licenses. These licenses are essential for accessing installed QXDM, PCAT, and QCAT applications, ensuring functionality for LTE, NR (FDD/TDD), and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) protocol technologies. The software must support monitoring and reporting of key parameters including SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, modulation, PMI, transmit power (TX), power headroom, TPC, and path loss. Licenses will be activated via the Qualcomm website, with a Software License Renewal guide delivered by email. A 3-year manufacturer warranty is required.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) (Only one responsible source)
- NAICS Code: 513210 – Software Publishers (Size Standard: $47.0 million)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Anticipated Award: By June 2026 (if competitive procedures are not used)
- Sole Source Justification: Qualcomm is the original software developer and the only source capable of providing the proprietary software, as determined by NIST's market research.
Response & Contact
This is not a solicitation. Interested parties who believe they can satisfy the requirement must clearly and unambiguously identify their capability in writing. Responses will be used to determine if competitive procedures could be used.
- Submit Responses To: clifford.nicholson@nist.gov
- Questions To: clifford.nicholson@nist.gov
- Primary Contact: Clifford Nicholson (303-497-5185)
Timeline
- Published Date: May 19, 2026
- Response Due Date: May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MDT