Advanced Multichannel Multispectral Photodetection System
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), within the Department of Commerce, is conducting a Sources Sought for an Advanced Multichannel Multispectral Photodetection System. This system is required for incorporation into NIST’s unique Serial Flow Cytometer to perform high temporal and spectral resolution optical measurements of biological micro and nanoparticles. The initiative aims to advance microscale measurement science and technology, particularly in Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs) in Biotechnology. Responses are due by June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a complete, multichannel and multispectral photodetector system that will integrate directly into its Serial Flow Cytometer. The system must perform sensitive, dynamic, and hyperspectral fluorescence measurements of rapidly flowing micro and nanoparticles, including cells, gene therapy nanoparticles, and fluorescence calibration particles. It must also have compatible connections for optical lines and routing of voltage signals to NIST recording devices.
Key Technical Requirements include:
- Multispectral light detection with at least 16 spectral channels, each detecting a non-overlapping wavelength bin of ≤ 20 nm.
- Spectral sensitivity range from ≤ 450 nm to ≥ 750 nm.
- Ability to detect light from ≥ 4 light sources.
- Accepts one fiber optic input per light source (SMA905 connector, NA ≥ 0.1, core diameter ≥ 105 µm).
- Internal detector format options: photomultiplier tube, avalanche photodiode, silicon photomultiplier, or hybrid.
- Typical peak photon detection efficiency ≥ 10%.
- Net bandwidth ≥ 500 kHz.
- Readout noise ≤ 10 mV p-p.
- Dynamic range ≥ 10,000.
- Max voltage output between 500 mV and 10 V per channel.
- Includes power supply and tunable amplification gain, with a gain range for resolving fluorescence intensities between ≤ 102 MESF and ≥ 105 MESF.
Submission & Evaluation
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
- Submission Method: Responses must be emailed to the Primary Point of Contact.
- Format: Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format.
- Page Limit: Responses should not exceed 4 pages, including attachments.
- Important Notes: Do not provide proprietary information. Entities must be registered and "active" in SAM.gov to be considered for any future award. This is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered an adequate response to any future solicitation.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: None specified in this notice. Respondents should indicate if they are a small business or other than small business.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Robert Singman, robert.singman@nist.gov, 301-975-6388.