C UV Laser
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 Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential domestic sources for a Continuous Wave (CW) Ultraviolet (UV) Laser system. This system is required for photoemission-based measurements in electron microscopy and spectroscopy at NIST's Gaithersburg, MD facility. Responses are due March 19, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This Sources Sought Notice is a market research tool, not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a pre-solicitation. Its purpose is to identify qualified firms capable of providing a CW UV laser system to enhance NIST's Fundamental Thermodynamics Group research. The laser will be used to analyze changes in chemical and spatial structure related to pre-bonding processes. The government is specifically seeking a domestic commercial product if available.
Key Requirements
NIST requires one (1) CW UV Laser system with specific technical specifications:
- Housing Dimensions: Maximum 80 mm [W] x 120 mm [L] x 40 mm [H].
- Wavelength: Monochromatized at a single wavelength between 290 nm and 320 nm.
- Output Power: At least 40 mW at the specified wavelength.
- Drive Mode: Continuous Wave (CW).
- Spatial Mode: TEM00.
- Beam Quality: M2 <= 1.1.
- Polarization Ratio: >= 100:1.
- Pointing Stability: < 10 µradian per °C.
- Beam Diameter: 0.7 mm ± 15%.
- Power Stability: < 2% rms.
- Power Supply: Must enable hands-free operation of the pump laser.
- Cooling: Must include a heat sink.
- Power Input: 120 VAC at 60 Hz.
- Delivery: FOB Destination (or equivalent INCOTERM).
- Warranty: One year.
- Documentation: One operations and maintenance manual (electronic or hard copy) covering operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and software.
Submission Instructions & Deadlines
Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating how they meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Acceptable documentation includes brochures, manuals, reports, videos, or technical data. Proprietary information should not be included.
Required Response Information:
- Company name and address
- Point of Contact (name, phone, email)
- Teaming partners (if applicable)
- Classification of supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype)
- Any other pertinent information
Deadlines:
- Questions Due: March 16, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Responses Due: March 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
All submissions and questions must be sent via email only to Ranae Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov) and Donald Collie (Donald.collie@nist.gov). Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: None specified; seeking domestic commercial products.
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD 20899
- Published Date: March 13, 2026