Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier to Virginia Diodes (UEI: VJ9NDNJEG6G4)

Announcement Type: Special Notice
Classification Code: 6695

Announcement Number: NIST-SS26-CHIPS-43-01

Subject: Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier to Virginia Diodes (UEI: VJ9NDNJEG6G4)
 

Advanced semiconductor technology has led to continuous performance improvements in transistors. However, many iterations are needed to obtain optimal performance, and the yield and reproducibility is incredibly poor. Furthermore, US chip makers are ill-equipped with legacy measurement techniques and underperforming models. We propose a robust path to develop and verify high-frequency transistor models: 1) new on-wafer standards and calibration, 2) precision noise measurements for transistor quality assurance, 3) improved characterizations, 4) optimal models tailored to a given technology, and 5) transistor model verification across frequency with key performance indicators. 

The RF technology division intends to award a non-competitive contract to Virgina Diodes for VNA waveguide extenders and a high-power waveguide amplifier to develop transistor characterization benches from 110 GHz to 325 GHz. The following solution will enable transistor large-signal characterization that will be used to extract and validate transistor models under the CHIPS program. 

This notice is not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued, and quotations will not be requested.

This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of RFO 12.102(a). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

NIST requires a solution that meets the following minimum requirements:

1) WR6.5 high-power VNA waveguide extenders that operate from 110 GHz to 170 GHz and deliver at least +19 dBm across the frequency band.

2) WR5.1 VNA waveguide extenders that operate from 140 GHz to 220 GHz and deliver at least +6 dBm across the frequency band.

3) WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders that operate from 220 GHz to 325 GHz and deliver at least +0 dBm across the frequency band.

4) a high-power waveguide amplifier that operates from 120 GHz to 140 GHz. The amplifier must deliver at least an RF output power of 30 dBm across the frequency band.

After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that the Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier from manufacturer, Virginia Diodes, is essential for several reasons:

1. Technical: The Virginia Diodes solution is the only solution that consists of a high-power waveguide amplifier that operates from 120 GHz to 140 GHz and three VNA waveguide extenders that operate in three waveguide band (WR6.5, WR5.1, and WR3.4). Other companies exist that provide these products, but only Virginia Diodes offers a waveguide amplifier with expected RF output power in the frequency band of interest required and VNA extenders with expected RF output power in the three frequency bands of interest required. Virginia Diodes is the only company that offers D-band amplifiers and VNA waveguide extenders with the required RF performance in accordance with the minimum listed above and therefore is the sole source.

NIST conducted market research from December 2024 – December 2025 by conducting online searches, discussions with sources, and discussions with colleagues to determine what sources could meet NIST’s minimum requirements.  The results of that market research revealed that only Virginia Diodes, 979 2ND ST SE, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902 USA, UEI: VJ9NDNJEG6G4 appears to be capable of meeting NIST’s requirements. The Government intends to issue a Sole Source Award to Virginia Diodes, under the authority of FAR 12.102(a). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516. 

However, any sources that believe they are capable of meeting NIST’s minimum requirements are encouraged to respond to this notice by the response date to provide the following information at a minimum: Company Unique Entity Identifier number in https://sam.gov; details about what your company is capable of providing that meets or exceeds NIST’s minimum requirements; whether your company is an authorized reseller of the product or service being cited and evidence of such authorization; and any other information that can help NIST determine whether this requirement may be competitively satisfied.