66 -- BACKWARD WAVE OSCILLATOR

Notice Date

November 28, 2000

Contracting Office

DOC; Mountain Administrative Support Center; Acquisition Management Division; 325 Broadway, MC3; Boulder, CO

ZIP Code

00000

Solicitation Number

NB813-103115DT

Response Due

December 18, 2000

Point of Contact

Doris Turner, Purchasing Agent, 303-497-3872 or FAX: 303-497-3163

E-Mail Address

NOAA; MASC Acquisition Management (Doris.P.Turner@noaa.gov)

Description

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a backward wave oscillator (BWO). The primary purpose for the microwave power source will be for development of national standards for microwave power and associated calibration services in the WR-10 waveguide band (75-110 GHz). A secondary purpose will be 6 port S parameter measurements in the same waveguide band. Quotes should include the cost of both the BWO tube and all necessary power supplies. The source must be computer controlled and capable of phase-locking. The following specifications must be met: 1. Output is WR-10 waveguide, frequency is 75-110 Ghz. 2. Typical operation is a stepped CW mode. In some measurements, an individual step lasts of order 30 minutes. In this case, a full sequence of steps is done continuously (24 hours per day) by computer control and takes a couple of days. In other experiments, a step time of 200 milliseconds is preferred. The steps are again computer controlled. No frequency sweep modes are required. 3. Frequency stability of 1 kHz is required in the experiments. The preferred option is that an EIP Model 578 Source Locking Frequency Counter is used to set the frequency. (NIST will supply the counter). 4. The ability to control steady state output power is strongly preferred. No other internal or external AM modulation is required. 5. Minimum power output needed is 10 mW. Power calibrations require 10 mW of power with 30 mW preferred. Six port measurements require 80 mW of power with more preferred. Specify the minimum power level across the entire band. A plot of power vs. frequency should be specified. 6. Power level must be controllable by a built-in IEEE Standard 488 (GPIB) interface. The frequency must be GPIB controllable either through the EIP counter or directly to the power supply. 7. It is strongly preferred that the tube is a plug-in module or is otherwise configured so that the power supply can alternately be used to power tubes in other frequency bands. In particular, operation in the WR-6 (110-170 Ghz) or WR-15 (50-75 Ghz) bands is desirable. The output voltages and currents of the supplies must therefore be appropriate for BWO tubes in these bands. 8. The filament supply must be DC. 9. Minimum 1 year manufacturers warranty required, longer warranty period preferred. 10. Delivery time negotiable, but 3 months or less preferred. 11. A 30 day period for testing and final acceptance of the source is required. 12. Instrument size and weight are not specified. Evaluation of bids will be based on price, how well the specifications are met, performance range including power level, and ability to demonstrate performance. We prefer that the last item be met with a demonstration unit, but references of past customers is an option. Of particular importance are the items of power level, computer control, and frequency control/phase locking. Responses are due via mail or FAX by December 18, 2000. No RFQ package is available. This procurement is being conducted per Simplified Acquisition Procedures FAR Part 13 (NTE $100,000). FAR Clauses in full text are at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. Terms and conditions and agency level protest procedures are referenced at http://www.doc.gov/oam/conops/#reference

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001130/66SOL003.HTM (D-333 SN5075T9)