Bid guide
How to bid on a Manufacturing Execution System for NIST
What NIST is buying and why it matters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information on companies that can provide a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and technical support. This system will be used to integrate EOS 290 and Renishaw RenAM500 additive manufacturing machines.
NIST plans to conduct a six-month study comparing standards-based integration with AI-generated point-to-point integration for these machines. This effort aims to develop a neutral information model for AM-MES integration, which is important for advancing additive manufacturing from prototyping to industrial production.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract. The deadline for submitting your response is August 07, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. Questions about this RFI are due by July 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Responses received by the deadline will help NIST conduct market research and identify potential sources for their anticipated needs. This information will inform future procurement decisions.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for technology companies that specialize in Manufacturing Execution Systems, particularly those with experience integrating with additive manufacturing machines like the EOS 290 and Renishaw RenAM500. Firms with expertise in open APIs, machine emulators, and developing integration solutions will find this relevant.
Companies that can provide technical support for developing translation layers, middleware, and AI-driven integration methods are also well-suited. This RFI is for firms in the technology category, specifically those involved in manufacturing software and system integration.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you must submit your information by email to the Primary Point of Contact and any Secondary Point of Contact listed in the notice. Your response should be in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or PDF format.
Include your company's full name, address, contact person, email, phone number, and Unique Entity ID (UEI) if registered in SAM.gov. Detail the software and technical support your company offers that meets the RFI's objectives, including manufacturer name and product details. Indicate if your product is manufactured in the US and if you are an authorized reseller. Also, identify any aspects of the RFI you cannot meet and suggest improvements.
Practical tips for preparing your response
Focus on directly addressing each requirement outlined in the RFI. Clearly describe how your MES software has been tested with EOS 290 and Renishaw AM500 machines, and highlight its open API capabilities. Provide specific details about any emulators you offer for these machines.
When discussing technical support, break down your capabilities according to the tasks described by NIST: neutral data model alignment, standards-based integration development, AI-driven point-to-point integration, and integration testing and benchmarking. Quantify your experience and capabilities where possible to demonstrate your firm's suitability for this research study.
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.