Procurement of a Humanoid Robot

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document details the requirements for the procurement of a humanoid robot and accompanying software/API for the Measurement Science for Robotics and Autonomous Systems program at NIST. The robot will be used to develop and validate test methods and metrics.

• Delivery of one (1) humanoid robot with required accessories.

• Provision of open-access or licensed software/API for robot direction and control.

• Includes FOB Destination delivery, installation, warranty, and training.

• Structure: Two arms, two hands, two legs, torso, head.

• Size: Approximately 1.5 meters tall; arm length at least 0.75 meters.

• Power: Capable of at least one hour of continuous battery power; also supports tethered power with battery swapping.

• Sensing: Minimum of one vision sensor, one lidar sensor, one central IMU. Wrist and ankle sensors for force-torque interaction. Joint/actuator sensors for position, force/torque, and current.

• Communication: Internal communication rate of at least 1000Hz.

• Control: Controller rate of at least 100Hz, capable of combined manipulation and mobility with safety guarantees.

• Capabilities:

  • Balance: Self-balance on two feet, robust to minor disturbances.
  • Walking: Forward walking up to 0.33 m/s, ability to turn, walk backward, and navigate partially blocked terrain.
  • Mobility: Capable of walking up/down stairs and dynamic interaction.
  • Manipulation: Grasp and carry small objects (>= 5 kg at 0.5 m distance).
  • Hands: At least 3 DOF each, capable of grasping small objects (~2cm³), holding loads up to arm lifting capacity.

• Allows custom behavior scripting.

• Supports manufacturer-created controllers (balance, walking, upper body control, whole-body torque control).

• Allows sensor calibration and data viewing/recording.

• Integrates with external sensing systems.

• Navigation around simple obstacles.

• Vision processing for object/surface identification.

• Rough terrain navigation with asymmetrical gait.

• Self-righting capability after falling.

• Predefined manipulation functions (e.g., object pickup/carry, door opening).

• Coordinated dual arm manipulation (bimanual).

• Humanoid Robot & Accessories: Shipped to NIST, 6 months from award date.

• Software/API: Downloaded directly, 6 months from award date.

• FOB Destination.

• Delivery to National Institute of Standards and Technology, Shipping and Receiving.

• Contractor shall conduct training sessions at NIST covering system functions, maintenance, data administration, and troubleshooting.

• Government reserves the right to perform validation testing.

• Visual inspection for surface defects.

• Acceptance contingent on meeting minimum requirements and performance specifications.

• Minimum of one year after receipt of equipment.

• Invoiced in arrears, Net 30-day terms.

• 100% payment after installation, acceptance, successful testing, and demonstration of performance.

• Partial shipments/invoices not accepted unless otherwise requested.

• Safety: Contractor responsible for compliance with installation safety regulations.

• Security: NIST is a restricted campus; identification badge required. Vehicle registration and pass required for campus access.

• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for the procurement of a Humanoid Robot for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory in Gaithersburg, MD. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and quotations are being requested.

• The solicitation requests a firm-fixed-price quotation for one (1) Humanoid Robot (CLIN 0001).

• Detailed requirements for the robot are provided in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• Offerors must submit a technical quotation including product literature, manufacturer, make, and model, demonstrating how the proposed equipment meets minimum requirements.

• Offerors must also submit up to 3 examples of relevant past performance within the last 3-5 years, detailing contract number, client, total value, period of performance, role played, and a narrative description.

• The contract will be a firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point are in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

• Due Date for Quotations: Electronic quotations must be received by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on 06/03/2026 via email to robert.cowins@nist.gov.

• Inquiries: Questions must be submitted in writing to robert.cowins@nist.gov no later than 05/27/2026. Responses will be provided in a solicitation amendment.

• 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) Past Performance, and 3) Price. Non-price factors are more important than price.

• Technical Capability: No prototypes, demonstration models, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered. Evaluation will be based on whether the proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements.

• Past Performance: Evaluation will consider relevance, quality, timeliness, cost management, communication, and customer satisfaction.

• Price: Price will be evaluated for reasonableness.

• Quotations determined technically unacceptable will not be evaluated further for Past Performance and Price.

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

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1000 employees or less.

• Interested parties must possess an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for award.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through FAC 2025-06 and RFO.

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

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the applicable provisions and clauses for the "Procurement of a Humanoid Robot" opportunity (Contracting Activity: 1333ND26QNB730241). It details which Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference.

• FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: States that solicitation provisions are incorporated by reference. Offerors are cautioned that some provisions may require completion and submission with their quotation or offer. Full text is available upon request or electronically via provided links.

• FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference: States that contract clauses are incorporated by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically via provided links.

• Buy American Certificate (OCT 2022): Requires offerors to certify that end products are domestic and to identify any foreign end products or domestic end products containing critical components.

• Place of Acceptance: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• NIST LOCAL-53 Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status: Provides guidance on contractor performance during changes in NIST operating status, including campus access, identification, and operating status verification via phone lines.

• Billing Instructions: Invoices/Vouchers must be submitted electronically via email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV, including specific details such as contract number, contractor name, invoice number, amount, CLIN, and description of services/supplies.

• Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP): Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's IPP. Contractors must register and use the IPP website. A waiver request must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer if unable to comply.

• Protest Procedures: Details procedures for filing agency protests with the Contracting Officer or Protest Decision Authority, and GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests. Specific addresses and service requirements are provided.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, but various provisions related to small business, representations, and certifications are incorporated by reference.

• The document lists numerous FAR and CAR provisions and clauses incorporated by reference, including deviations and specific dates. Offerors should review these carefully.

• Guidance is provided for contractor operations during potential government shutdowns or changes in NIST operating status.