G
Notice of Intent to Sole Source
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, with French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) located at 79 Av. Edouard Vaillant, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France for the provision of a license to use the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm. The anticipated period of performance of this work is from Oct 15, 2022 – Oct 14, 2025, option periods included.
In the future, an attack from a quantum computer will crack the security used today to protect privacy in online systems like online banking and email. To prepare for this threat, NIST started a competition in 2017 to devise and vet encryption methods that, to the best of experts’ knowledge, could resist an attack from a future quantum computer that is more powerful than the comparatively limited machines available today. After 4 rounds of evaluation, NIST has selected the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm in 2022 for general encryption to be used when accessing secure websites. Please see the following website for additional information: https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/post-quantum-cryptography.
In order to ensure the quick, clear, and specific implementation of this Post Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) algorithm to be globally used as a commercial technology, NIST identified unclear patent issues and regional patent claims as a significant risk to commercial adoption of the NIST PQC standards. This risk directly affects our nation’s economic interest and national security. To eliminate this risk, NIST needs to ensure that the implementation of NIST-identified PQC standards is done in a Free and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) environment.
The purpose of this requirement is to acquire the patents from the IP claimants for FRAND use in a clear and unambiguous manner. The contractor shall grant NIST a non-exclusive, non-transferable, fully paid-up, and irrevocable license with the right to grant sublicenses under all claims of the licensed patent. CNRS is the only responsible source capable of meeting this requirement as they hold the subject Patent.
A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by notice of intent due date will be considered by the Government. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted via email to [email protected] so that they are received no later than listed notice of intent due date.
Each response should include the following Business Information: