Solicitation for Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Manual (CAM) provisions and clauses. It also includes some clauses in full text. These provisions and clauses govern the terms and conditions of the contract, including offeror responsibilities, government rights, and compliance requirements.

• Provisions and Clauses Incorporated by Reference: A comprehensive list of FAR and CAM provisions and clauses that apply to this solicitation/contract. Bidders are responsible for understanding these, as they have the same force as if included in full text. Full text can be obtained from the Contracting Officer or electronically via provided links (acquisition.gov/far-overhaul and ecfr.gov).
• Specific Provisions/Clauses Highlighted:
  • 52.252-1 & 52.252-2: Standard clauses for incorporating provisions and clauses by reference.
  • 52.203-17 to 52.244-6: Various clauses related to contractor ethics, system for award management, small business concerns, labor laws, equal opportunity, combating trafficking in persons, Buy American Act, and subcontracting.
  • 52.212-4 (Full Text): Details terms and conditions for commercial products and services, covering definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment, risk of loss, taxes, termination (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, Comptroller General examination, and incorporation by reference.
  • 52.225-2 (Buy American Certificate): Requires offerors to certify the origin of end products and components.
  • 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture): Requires offerors to indicate the predominant place of manufacture for statistical purposes.
  • 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions): Addresses representations and certifications related to covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, Sudan, and Iran.
  • Local NIST Clauses: Includes specific clauses for agency protests (1352.233-70, 1352.233-71), place of acceptance (1352.246-70), contract performance during NIST operating status changes, and electronic billing instructions (NIST LOCAL-53, NIST LOCAL-54, NIST LOCAL-56).

This document is critical for all bidders. It outlines the legal and regulatory framework governing the contract. Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those requiring specific representations, certifications, or actions (e.g., Buy American Certificate, Security Prohibitions, Electronic Billing). Failure to comply with these terms can impact proposal evaluation and contract award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The government is procuring an Optical frequency domain reflectometer, including shipping and a 1-year warranty, as detailed in the attached NIST Requirements document.

• CLIN 0001: Optical frequency domain reflectometer (inclusive of shipping and 1-year warranty) in accordance with the NIST Requirements document.

• CLIN 0002: Transportation and other related expenses for delivery to the United States (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• Detailed requirements are in the attached Statement of Work (SOW) and NIST Requirements document.

• This will result in a single firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) using simplified acquisition procedures.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quoter.

• Submission Deadline: May 20, 2026, by 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to nina.lin@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and logically assembled. Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing via email no later than 4 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quoter. The government may not evaluate all technical quotations; they will evaluate from lowest priced upwards until a technically acceptable quote is found.

• Technical Capability: Must meet or exceed all minimum requirements specified in the NIST Requirements document. Evidence must be provided; simply stating compliance is insufficient.

• Price: Must be reasonable and compatible with the technical quotation. Include all shipping costs (FOB Destination) and tariffs.

• This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small businesses.

• Offerors must possess an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment. Failure to maintain active registration will result in disqualification.

• Associated NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Quotation validity period: 90 days from the due date.

• Attachments referenced: NIST Requirements, Applicable Provisions and Clauses.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the requirements for an Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR) for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division. The OFDR is needed to develop advanced measurement methods and test structures for integrated photonics manufacturing, specifically for analyzing back reflection and transmission signals from photonic integrated circuit components.

• Product: One (1) Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (Firm Fixed Price quotation required).

• Condition: All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom items are not acceptable.

• Technical Specifications:

  • Wavelength coverage: 1520 nm to 1630 nm.
  • Measurement modes: Reflection and transmission.
  • Laser source: External benchtop unit included, compatible with user-provided sources meeting specifications.
  • Internal laser source linewidth: < 300 kHz.
  • Wavelength accuracy: +/-1.5 pm or better.
  • Length measurement modes: Three modes for lengths between 1-5m, 10-20m, and 40-60m.
  • Two-point sampling resolution: 8 micrometers or better within 5 seconds for specified length modes.
  • Return loss: Dynamic range >= 120 dB, resolution +/-0.2 dB, accuracy +/-0.4 dB, sensitivity -135 dB.
  • Insertion loss: Dynamic range >= 115 dB, resolution +/-0.2 dB, accuracy +/-0.4 dB, sensitivity -118 dB.
  • Remote control: Ethernet or equivalent with provided software control/API (Labview, Python, Matlab).
  • Warranty: Minimum 12 months.

• Cybersecurity: Solution must comply with federal laws and standards (FISMA, OMB A-130, FIPS 200), including specific controls for system security plans, IT management, access control to sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII), vulnerability scanning, auditing, incident response, and encryption (TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Deliverables: FOB Destination, within 120 days of award.

• Delivery Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640.

• Warranty: Minimum 12 months.

• Quotation: A Firm Fixed Price quotation is required.

• Payment: Net 30-day terms upon receipt, installation, and acceptance. Inspection anticipated within two weeks of delivery.

• Partial Shipments/Invoices: Not accepted unless approved by the Contracting Officer prior to award.

• Evaluation: Government reserves the right to perform performance tests and evaluations.

Not specified in this document.

• No in-person training required; vendor to provide videos, manuals, and other materials.
• Cybersecurity requirements must be addressed, with details on mitigations or alternative protections if standard requirements cannot be met.