This is a market research request for information on open-weight AI model hosting and inference services to support national security risk evaluations. The anticipated Request for Quotation is planned for the second quarter of FY 2026, with a contract award expected by the third quarter of FY 2026. All physical infrastructure, data storage, and processing must be located exclusively within the United States. Required capabilities include rapid hosting of new models, high-throughput inference scaling, unfiltered API access, direct GPU access, and compliance with specific U.S. security controls.

This is a market research notice for AI model hosting and inference services, not an active solicitation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks information from capable contractors, particularly small businesses, to support an anticipated acquisition. The required services include quick-turn hosting of new open-weight models, accurate and scalable inference, hosting a large selection of models, and ensuring no data retention. An RFQ is anticipated in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, with a contract award expected by the third quarter. Performance of services is not tied to a specific location.