Bright Polarization Entangled Photon 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 Department of the Air Force (AFRL RIKO) has issued a Notice of Proposed Contract Action for the sole-source procurement of a Bright Polarization-Entangled Photon Source. The Government intends to award a contract to Oz Optics Limited for one unit (Part Number: BHEPS-1000-3A3A-1550-9/125) to be delivered to Rome, NY. This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. Responses from responsible sources are due by April 29, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a turn-key, alignment-free bright source operating at room temperature. Key specifications include:
- Generation of high-quality polarization-entangled photon pairs within a narrow telecom bandwidth centered at 1550 nm, using a type-2 waveguide.
- Controllable coincidence rate via a built-in manual pump attenuator.
- Photon pairs generated through a Sagnac interferometric configuration and directly injected into two single-mode output fibers (9/125 µm) via FC/APC adaptors.
- Must provide a uniquely high number of entangled pairs per second, be suitable for field environments, and be fully compatible with existing Oz Optics automated rotation optics and tomography modules in AFRL laboratories.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Proposed Contract Action (Presolicitation)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole-Source Intent)
- Response Due: April 29, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: April 14, 2026
- Anticipated Award: On or before April 30, 2026
Evaluation & Response
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal for agency consideration. Any response must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government for future procurements. Responses will be evaluated, but the decision not to compete remains at the Government's discretion.
Additional Notes
The Government has determined that Oz Optics Limited is the only company that can satisfy the minimum technical specifications due to their exclusive provision of branded products meeting critical performance and compatibility requirements. A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award. Inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Calandra at Jennifer.Calandra@us.af.mil.