Bid guide
How to bid on a Mecademic Robotics MECA500-R4-OB Robot Arm for NIST
What NIST is buying and why it matters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from suppliers who can provide a Mecademic Robotics MECA500-R4-OB robot arm, or an equivalent system. This includes the robot arm itself, a power supply, communication cables, an adapter plate, two electric grippers, a pneumatic module, and a protective demo case.
NIST's Intelligent Systems Division needs this equipment for robotic assembly applications and for portable demonstrations. The goal is to demonstrate and develop tests for various robotic manufacturing applications. This is an opportunity for vendors to show their capability to supply advanced robotic systems to a federal agency.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), also known as a Sources Sought Notice. The deadline for submitting your response is August 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. At this deadline, NIST will stop accepting submissions.
It is important to note that this is not a solicitation for bids, but rather a request for information to help NIST determine its acquisition strategy. Your response will inform NIST's market research.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for businesses that can supply industrial assembly machines, specifically robotic arms and related accessories. The relevant NAICS code is 333998, 'All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing', with a small business size standard of 700 employees.
Vendors should be capable of providing a robot arm system that meets specific performance requirements, including payload, reach, weight, position repeatability, degrees of freedom, and surface finish. The system must also include compatible power supplies, cables, grippers with specified strokes and forces, a pneumatic module, and a protective case. A minimum one-year warranty is also required.
How to respond
To access the full details and submit your response, first click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on 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, though this is not always necessary.
NIST requests a company summary including the Notice ID and title, your company's name, address, website, Unique Entity Identifier (if applicable), point of contact information, size status under NAICS 333998, and confirmation of active SAM.gov registration. You must also identify the place of manufacture/origin for the potential product, specifically if it is manufactured in whole or in part in the United States.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI like this, focus on clearly demonstrating your company's capability to meet or exceed all specified salient characteristics for each line item. Even though it's not a formal solicitation, a thorough and well-organized response can position your company favorably for future opportunities.
Highlight your experience with similar robotic systems and your ability to provide a complete, operational system including hardware, software, accessories, and calibration. Ensure you explicitly address the 'brand name or equal' aspect by detailing how your proposed equivalent product meets or surpasses the performance requirements of the Mecademic Robotics MECA500-R4-OB and its components. Pay close attention to the warranty and delivery requirements.
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 Commerce, Department of; the original posting controls.