Lock-in Amplifier System

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Lock-in Amplifier System

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB305000-26-00522

RESPONSE DATE: 03/11/26

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Biomedical Measurement Technologies group is actively seeking specialized lock-in amplifier to incorporate within a metrology tool to the functionalization of semiconductor substrates with passivation and biorecognition elements. This tool is a critical element of the CHIPS program and will advance measurements of manufacturable CMOS biosensors.

The semiconductor supply chain is global, specialized, and interconnected. Chipmakers do business with thousands of individual suppliers that provide the highly complex materials and tools used to produce semiconductors. To address the lack of full visibility into the semiconductors markets supply chain and R&D ecosystem gaps NIST will conduct the measurement science, or metrology, critical to the development of new materials, packaging, and production methods in chip manufacturing. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901with Zurich Instruments, Inc located in Waltham, MA, for this equipment.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that Zurich Instruments is the only manufacturer that meets all the specifications and can deliver a turnkey system. NIST requires a new lock-in system that seamlessly integrate with existing NIST owned metrology tools, making the LabOne system a critical requirement that other vendors are unable to satisfy.   Extensive market research performed through Internet searches, conversations with experts and a sources sought notice have revealed that only Zurich Instruments is capable of manufacturing a system that satisfies NIST requirements.   Zurich Instruments does not have any authorized resellers. 

NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516. Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1250 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 03/11/26 will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Inquiry POCs

Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov  Primary

Donald.Graham@nist.gov  Secondary

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD)

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640