Bid guide
How to bid on Manufacturing Data Analysis and Modeling Tools for NIST
What NIST is buying and why it matters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a commercial, web-based data tool or service. This tool will provide detailed U.S. manufacturing data and trends, broken down by industry, geography, and occupation.
NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its nationwide network of MEP Centers will use this tool. It will help them understand the U.S. manufacturing sector with greater granularity, identify upcoming changes, and prepare for those changes. This is a chance to provide a critical resource to a key government program supporting U.S. manufacturers.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on July 24, 2026. The deadline for submissions is August 07, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this exact time.
Late submissions are typically not accepted for government solicitations, so it is crucial to submit your response well in advance of the deadline.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms that provide professional services, specifically those specializing in data analytics, economic modeling, and web-based data platforms. The ideal vendor will offer a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution.
Your firm should have expertise in presenting complex manufacturing data, trends, and projections, with the ability to segment information by NAICS codes (industry), geographical levels (county, state), and SOC codes (occupations). The solution must be accessible via a site license.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full solicitation documents, you will need to click the “View original source” link on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents. However, for many bids, you can view the documents without an account. Review all attached documents carefully to understand the complete requirements and submission instructions.
Tips for a competitive response
Focus your proposal on how your commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) data tool directly addresses NIST MEP's need for granular manufacturing data, trends, and projections. Clearly explain how your platform provides insights at varying industry, geographical, and occupational levels.
Highlight the web-based nature of your solution and how a site license will facilitate access for NIST MEP and its network. Emphasize any features that help identify and prepare for future changes in the manufacturing sector, as this is a key interest for the program. Ensure your proposal is clear, concise, and directly responds to all stated requirements in the solicitation.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Institute of Standards and Technology; the original posting controls.