1033 nm laser and 1068 nm laser for the IMS project Reimagining Thermal Radiation Combined Sources Sought/ Notice of Intent to Sole Source
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for 1033 nm and 1068 nm lasers. This market research aims to identify sources capable of providing specialized lasers for the Fundamental Thermodynamics group's molecule laser cooling platform. NIST intends to sole source to NKT Photonics Inc. based on prior market research, but is seeking information from other potential sources. Responses are due by March 25, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) 1033 nm laser and one (1) 1068 nm laser. These lasers must be new and meet stringent technical specifications simultaneously, including:
- 1033 nm laser: Continuous wave single frequency output (1033.2 nm - 1033.6 nm), minimal thermal tuning (+/- 0.2 nm), minimal fast tuning via piezo (10 GHz), linewidth (<50 kHz), minimum output power (10 mW), polarization maintaining fiber output, mode hop-free tuning (>20 GHz), TEM_00 mode with M^2 < 1.1, linearly polarized output (>100:1), passive/forced air cooling, operating ambient temperature (16-26 C) and humidity (up to 80%), 120 VAC (<10 Amps). Includes electronics with USB interface and PC GUI.
- 1068 nm laser: Similar specifications to the 1033 nm laser, with output wavelength between 1068.35 nm and 1068.75 nm. Electronics PC GUI must be identical to the 1033 nm laser.
- Software and reference manuals are also required for both.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: March 11, 2026
- Sole Source Intent: NIST conducted market research from October 2025 to February 2026 and determined that only NKT Photonics Inc. (WJNUYEZ9UT11) can meet all minimum requirements.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the Primary Point of Contact. Responses should not include proprietary information and must be in Microsoft Word 365, Excel 365, or PDF format. Required information includes:
- Company name, address, contact details (name, email, phone), and UEI (if SAM registered).
- Details on capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements.
- Evidence of authorized reseller status.
- Identification of unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- Small or other than small business status for the NAICS code (6640 - Laboratory Equipment And Supplies).
- Alternative NAICS code suggestions.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other contract numbers.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information for market research.
- Indication of interest in engaging for more information.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. It is not a request for quotation, and no award will be made as a result. NIST is not responsible for response costs. Questions regarding this notice should be submitted within 5 days of posting to the Primary Point of Contact.