Solicitation - Vector Network Analyzer Extender Heads

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the NB672010-26-01000 - VNA Extender Head RFQ.

• Specification Definition: All specifications are considered "typical" and were determined by performing measurements at NIST.
• 13dBm Maximum Test Port Power: This refers to the output power measured at the waveguide test port by a power meter. For the 110-170 GHz band, the maximum available power must be 13 dBm across all frequencies, accounting for the insertion loss of the measurement equipment.

This document clarifies technical specifications, which may impact how bidders prepare their responses and understand the requirements of the RFQ.

Solicitation / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products, specifically Vector Network Analyzer Extender Heads. It is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 12 and is a 100% total small business set-aside. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• CLIN 0001: Tx/Rx VNA Extender Head Module (QTY: 2, Unit: Each)

• CLIN 0002: WR6.5 Calibration Kit (QTY: 1, Unit: Each)

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB Destination point are detailed in the attached Specifications.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but delivery requirements are in the attached Specifications.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Deadline: April 8, 2026, by 5:00 PM MST.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to Daniel.kent@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries Deadline: April 3, 2026, by 5:00 PM MST, submitted in writing to Daniel.kent@nist.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose offer is the lowest priced and technically acceptable. Evaluation factors include Technical Capability and Price.

• Technical Capability: Quotations must demonstrate that proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements as outlined in the Specifications document. No prototypes, demonstration models, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.

• Price: Proposed prices will be evaluated for reasonableness and compatibility with technical requirements.

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

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

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-01.

• NAICS Code: 334515 – Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals, with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

• Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical Quotation, Price Quotation, and Terms and Conditions.

• Any objections to terms and conditions must be clearly stated in the quotation; otherwise, acceptance is assumed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific requirements and specifications for Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) extender heads and a calibration kit needed by NIST for measurements of integrated circuits.

• Item 1: WR6.5 Tx/Rx VNA Extender Head Module (Quantity: 2 EACH)
  • Specifications: 110 GHz to 170 GHz bandwidth, 120 dB dynamic range, 0.25 dB magnitude stability, 4 deg phase stability, 13 dBm maximum test port output power, 30 dB directivity, Integrated Micrometer Driven Output Attenuator.
• Item 2: WR6.5 Calibration Kit (Quantity: 1 EACH)
  • Specifications: TRL Kit including 2 short circuits, 2 matched loads, 1 straight waveguide, and 1 quarter wave shim.
• Vendor Requirements:
  • Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
  • Must possess a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) registered as "Active" on SAM.gov at time of award.
• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder, ATTN: Nate Orloff, Mail Stop: 672.01, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• Inspection and Acceptance: NIST will perform on-site measurements of the calibration kit with the extender heads. Acceptance is expected to require 14 business days post-delivery.
• Warranty: 1-year base manufacturer warranty, including Labor, Parts, Travel, and Cost and Liability for Returns.

This document details the technical specifications for the required equipment, vendor eligibility criteria, shipping instructions, and acceptance procedures. Bidders must ensure their proposed products meet all specified technical requirements and that they comply with the vendor requirements. The acceptance timeline and warranty terms are also critical for proposal evaluation and contract fulfillment.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, titled "Attachment 2 - Provisions and Clauses," lists and provides access to various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation or contract. It serves to inform potential bidders about the regulatory and contractual requirements that will govern the opportunity.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-1): Details how bidders can access full text of provisions and the requirement to complete certain blocks.
• Authorized Deviations in Provisions (FAR 52.252-5): Indicates how deviations from standard provisions will be noted.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-2): Similar to provisions, outlines how contract clauses are incorporated and accessible.
• FAR Authorized Deviations in Clauses (FAR 52.252-6): Notes how deviations in clauses will be indicated.
• Specific Provisions and Clauses Listed: Includes a comprehensive list of FAR and CAR provisions and clauses, such as those related to:
  • Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments
  • Prohibition on Contracting with entities requiring internal confidentiality agreements
  • System for Award Management (SAM)
  • Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability
  • Instructions to Offerors for Commercial Products and Services
  • Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights
  • Buy American-Supplies (with a specific certificate requirement)
  • Agency Protests and GAO/Court of Federal Claims Protests
  • Place of Acceptance
  • Marking/Packing Instructions
  • Contract Performance During NIST Operating Status
  • Electronic Billing Instructions
  • Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP)

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the legal and regulatory framework of the contract. Bidders must review these incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations, submission requirements (e.g., certifications, representations), and the terms that will govern the contract if awarded. It directly impacts proposal preparation, compliance, and contract performance. Notably, it includes instructions for the Buy American Certificate and details protest procedures.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific requirements and specifications for Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) extender heads and a calibration kit. It details the technical specifications for the equipment, vendor requirements, and various logistical and contractual considerations.

Item 1: WR6.5 Tx/Rx VNA Extender Head Module (2 EACH)

• Bandwidth: 110 GHz to 170 GHz
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB
• Magnitude Stability: 0.25 dB
• Phase Stability: 4 deg
• Maximum Test Port Output Power: 13 dBm
• Directivity: 30 dB
• Integrated Micrometer Driven Output Attenuator

Item 2: WR6.5 Calibration Kit (1 EACH)

• TRL Kit including: 2 short circuit, 2 matched load, 1 straight waveguide, 1 quarter wave shim.

Vendor Requirements:

• Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
• Must possess a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) registered as "Active" on SAM.gov at time of award.

Shipping & Delivery:

• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder, ATTN: Nate Orloff, Mail Stop: 672.01, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• Partial Delivery Acceptable.

Inspection and Acceptance:

• NIST will perform on-site measurements of the calibration kit with the extender heads.
• Acceptance is expected to require 14 business days post-delivery.

Warranty:

• 1-year base manufacturer warranty with maintenance is required.
• Warranty to include Labor, Parts, and Travel.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical specifications of the equipment required, including performance metrics and components. It also outlines essential vendor qualifications, shipping instructions, acceptance procedures, and warranty requirements, all of which are necessary for preparing an accurate and compliant proposal.