66 -- TWO MULTI-CHANNEL JOSEPHSON ARRAY BIAS SOURCE

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with National Physical Laboratory (NPL) for two (2) Multi-Channel Josephson Array Bias Source -with- Software Interface. NIST is actively collaborating with other national labs in the development of Binary Josephson Arrays for arbitrary waveform synthesis, and it is important for NIST to use the same hardware and software as our collaborators in order to maximize the benefits of those collaborations in terms of more rapid research progress, and the development-cost savings to the government that accelerated progress will bring. The following technical specifications are required:Required number of output channels: 15 minimum, simultaneously updated each time-step Output voltage range for each channel: ±2.7 V minimum (into an open circuit) Output current range for each channel: ±25 mA minimum Output voltage resolution: 12 bits plus sign (or more) Output voltage settling time: 30ns maximum (measured at full-scale into a 50-ohm load) Waveform memory: 8000 time-steps minimum Output waveform update rate: One time-step every 2 µsec (or faster) External clock reference input: 10MHz or 20Mhz Synchronized trigger output: Yes Interface to PC computer: Optical Internal Power Supplies: Low noise (suitable for Josephson chip operation), and optically isolated from the host computer. (120VAC compatible) Software Interface: Software must be compatible with Microsoft Windows. Must convert bias currents for all Josephson cells into DAC output voltages for each time-step. Must provide capability of programming the Josephson Arrays to produce arbitrary waveforms, measure Array bias parameters, and fine-tune gain and dc offset for each channel. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). NPL is the only source for this procurement. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is May 22, 2006.