Bid guide

How to bid on a Unipolar Diffusion Aerosol Charger for NIST

National Institute of Standards and TechnologyCloses September 18, 2026

What NIST is buying and why it matters

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wants to buy a unipolar diffusion aerosol charger for its Chemical Sciences Division. This equipment is needed to support a Grand Challenge Project, enabling precise unipolar diffusion charging of aerosol particles. This capability is critical for advanced metrology and chemical analysis within NIST's mission to provide measurement science, standards, and technology.

NIST has announced its intent to purchase this item on a sole-source basis from Cambustion, Ltd. of the United Kingdom. However, other vendors who believe they can meet this requirement are invited to submit information for the government's consideration.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The notice was published on August 28, 2026. If you are interested in this opportunity, you must submit your information by September 18, 2026, at 1:00 AM EST. Responses received by this deadline will be considered by the government.

NIST will use the information received to determine if a competitive procurement is possible. A decision by the government not to compete the proposed acquisition is at its sole discretion.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for firms that manufacture analytical laboratory instruments, specifically those capable of producing unipolar diffusion aerosol chargers. The relevant NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

If your company can provide equipment that meets NIST's requirement for precise unipolar diffusion charging of aerosol particles, you should consider responding to this notice.

How to respond

No formal solicitation package will be issued for this requirement. To respond, you need to submit information directly to the government for consideration. You should clearly demonstrate your capability to fulfill the requirements described in the notice.

To access the original announcement, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view any associated documents, though for many bids, this is not required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is a notice of intent for a sole-source purchase, a well-prepared response can still be effective. Focus on clearly articulating how your product meets or exceeds the specific technical requirements mentioned by NIST, particularly regarding precise unipolar diffusion charging of aerosol particles.

Provide detailed specifications, performance data, and any relevant certifications for your equipment. Highlight any unique features or advantages your product offers. Ensure your submission is concise, professional, and directly addresses the agency's stated needs. Submit your information well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

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 BiddingSimple

This 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.