Sources Sought External Hardware for ZCU 216 Boards

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF

Notice type
Sources Sought
Solicitation #
NB686050-26-01948
NAICS
334516
PSC
6640
Posted
June 12, 2026
Response due
June 26, 2026
Place of performance
Boulder, CO

What this opportunity is

The Department of Commerce is seeking sources for external hardware, specifically enclosures and daughter boards, for ZCU-216 boards used in advanced microwave photonics applications. This opportunity is suited for small businesses in the manufacturing sector, particularly those classified under NAICS 334516. As this is a Sources Sought notice, interested vendors should focus on providing information about their capabilities rather than submitting bids at this stage, allowing them to gauge the government's needs before a potential solicitation.

Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.

Description

Requirements / Specification Document Requirements / Specifications: EXTERNAL HARDWARE FOR ZCU-216 BOARDS 1 Version 1.0 (2019) Double-click on  for further assistance. Use this document to detail specifications/requirements for an item and/or ancillary services.  TITLE: EXTERNAL HARDWARE FOR ZCU-216 BOARDS  Requesting Lab/Division/Group: Physical Measurements Lab/Applied Physics Division/Advanced Microwave Photonics Group NB686050-26-01948 General Statement of Need  The Advanced Microwave Photonics Group (AMPG) performs complex qubit and resonator measurement at ultra-low temperature. Current projects involve high-throughput measurements of device quantum coherence and include the development of standard practices for such measurement with the goal to disseminate these standard practices to the community, which is a core NIST mission. To that end, our group uses ZCU216 Radio Frequency System-on- Chip (RFSoC) control boards that are compatible with the open-source firmware QICK. We would like to acquire new “daughter” boards to remap the input/output channels of the ZCU216 to meet specific requirements, as well as enclosures that non only protect the boards but also add functionalities (like TTL signals and dc-bias), while maintaining compatibility with the QICK firmware. The contractor shall deliver enclosures and daughter boards for three ZCU-216 RFSoC (owned by NIST) enabling at least the following requirements: 4 output channels with frequency range from DC to >1GHz, 12 output channels with a frequency range including 1-8GHz, 4 input channels with a frequency range including 4-8GHz. Enclosures and boards must come with all connectors and items necessary for assembly and operation (ZCU216 boards not included) and be compatible with the QICK firmware. The Contractor shall provide a system that meets all technical specifications identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of “gray market” components are not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the Contractor is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable. Items and/or Ancillary Services  Item 1: Enclosures and Daughter Boards Quantity: Three (3) Specifications: a. Compatible with ZCU-216 boards: The RF main board must be compatible with ZCU-216 boards. b. Enclosure: must include a physical enclosure for all boards with connector feedthrough, as well as I/O ports for TTL signals and DACs. c. High frequency Outputs: need at least 12 output channels with output frequency from 1GHz to 8GHz d. Low frequency Outputs: need at least 4 output channels with output frequency from DC to at least 1GHz. e. High frequency Inputs: need at least 4 input channels with input frequency from 4GHz to 8GHzB. f. Must be compatible with the open source QICK software -- 1 of 4 -- Requirements / Specification Document Requirements / Specifications: EXTERNAL HARDWARE FOR ZCU-216 BOARDS 2 Version 1.0 (2019) Double-click on  for further assistance. Separately Priced Options and Services: Item 2: [List minimum specifications. Quantity: [Enter quantity here.] Specifications: ] Service Requirements / Item Specifications Section  Requirements/Specifications  Planning Considerations ☒ N/A ☐ List any visits required to allow potential vendors to see site specific constraints. [Explain requirement here] ☐ US citizen required on-site (foreign nationals require preregistration 30 days prior) ☐ Vendor rep on-site more than three days ☐ Other considerations: [List other considerations to ensure an accurate quote] Shipping & Delivery ☐ N/A [Enter shipping and delivery information by item here.] Shipping criteria: ☐ Partial delivery acceptable ☐ Direct delivery to building required [Explain need for requirement here] Building has: ☐ Loading dock ☐ Containerization preference: [Choose container] Other requirements: [List any other requirements here] Delivery date criteria: ☒ Delivery of goods, installation, and training shall be completed no later than: 08 weeks ARO ☐ Deliver no earlier than: [Insert date here] ☐ Other: [List other shipping, delivery, or specil requirements] Electronic Media ☒ N/A [Enter electronic media requirements by item here.] ☐ Software ☐ Electronic manuals ☐ License Key ☐ Other: [List any other Electronic Media requirements here] [Enter email address for software delivery here] Installation ☒ N/A [Enter installation requirements by item here.] ☐ Vendor technician on site ☐ Rigging ☐ Uncrating / Unpackaging ☐ Removal of packaging material ☐ Equipment set up ☐ Start-up services ☐ Turn key installation ☐ Other [Enter details here.] Note: When installation is required, TPOC or COR shall be the coordination point. -- 2 of 4 -- Requirements / Specification Document Requirements / Specifications: EXTERNAL HARDWARE FOR ZCU-216 BOARDS 3 Version 1.0 (2019) Double-click on  for further assistance. Facility / Utility Considerations ☒ N/A [List site specific utility considerations by item here.] ☐ OFPM Work Order Number(s) [List any Work Order Number(s) here] ☐ Power available Voltage: [Enter voltage here] (V) Max Current: [Enter max current draw here] (A) Phase: [Choose phase] Frequency: [Typically 60Hz] (Hz) NEMA Plug Type: [Enter plug type here] (i.e.: NEMA L5-20P) Environment: [Choose environment] Other power consideration: [List any other power considerations here] ☐ Utility connections: [List relevant available utilities, pressure(s), and flowrate(s)] ☐ Other considerations: [List other considerations to ensure an accurate quote] Warranty  ☐ N/A Base Manufacturer Warranty is acceptable Warranty shall commence upon acceptance of the system by the Government What is included? ☒ Labor ☒ Parts ☐ Travel ☐ Cost and liability for returns ☐ Other: [Enter other requirements here] ☒ Warranty length: 02 Ye

Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.

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