Bid guide
How to bid on a replacement cesium source head for NIST
What NIST is buying
The National Institute of Standards and Technology intends to acquire a replacement cesium source head for its nonfunctional time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry instrument, so the instrument can return to operation.
NIST names ION-TOF USA, Inc. as its intended sole-source supplier. This is a notice of intent, not a request for competitive quotations, and NIST says it will not issue a solicitation package. Capable vendors may respond for the government to consider whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
Deadline and what happens next
The notice gives a response deadline of November 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. Its description also says responses received by 1:00 AM EST that day will be considered. These times conflict, so contact the listed NIST points of contact promptly to confirm the applicable cutoff.
NIST says the decision not to compete the proposed acquisition is within the government’s discretion. Information received will normally be considered only to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
Who this opportunity may suit
This notice may suit firms that can provide a replacement cesium source head for NIST’s named ToF-SIMS instrument. The listed NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small-business size standard of 1,000 employees.
The notice says market research found ION-TOF to be the sole source for replacement equipment for this NIST-owned instrument. It also reports ION-TOF’s statement that it alone is authorized and capable of offering service and spare parts for IONTOF surface analysis equipment, including ToF-SIMS IV instruments.
How to access the notice and respond
On the portal, click “View original source” to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though many bids do not require one.
No solicitation package will be issued. The notice invites capable vendors to submit responses to the government for consideration. For inquiries, the listed contacts are [email protected] (primary) and [email protected] (secondary).
Prepare a focused response
State clearly whether your firm can supply the replacement source head for the instrument described in the notice. Explain the basis for your capability and include concise supporting information relevant to the equipment.
Because this is a notice of intent rather than a request for quotations, keep the response focused on capability and why the government should consider competition. Confirm the conflicting deadline times with NIST before submitting, and allow time for delivery.
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.