CHIPS R&D Laser and Optical Parametric Amplifiers for Multiphoton Microscopy

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD) requires the acquisition of a laser and optical parametric amplifier (OPA) system to expand its measurement capabilities in ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy and microscopy. This system will enable new methods for thermal imaging metrology of semiconductor materials and devices, contributing to the CHIPS Metrology Program's goal of advancing metrology for future microelectronics manufacturing.

This SOW details the requirements for one (1) Laser and two (2) Optical Parametric Amplifiers to produce intense near-infrared and mid-infrared light pulses for nonlinear absorption-based thermal metrology. Key requirements include specific pulse durations, pulse energies, wavelength tuning ranges, and repetition rates.

• Laser (Line Item 0001):

  • Center frequency: 1035 nm ± 8 nm
  • Max average power: 40 Watts
  • Max pulse energy: 80 µJ at 500 kHz
  • Pulse duration: ≤ 300 fs
  • Repetition rate: Variable from single shot up to 500 kHz
  • Beam quality: TEM00, M² ≤ 1.2
  • Polarization: Vertical, ratio ≥ 500:1
  • Stability: Power < 1%, Pulse-to-pulse < 1% (24 hours)

• First Optical Parametric Amplifier (Line Item 0002):

  • Signal output tunable: 1450-1900 nm
  • Signal pulse energy: ≥ 1 µJ (for 30 µJ pump)
  • Stability: Pulse-to-pulse ≤ 2%, Long term power ≤ 2%

• Second Optical Parametric Amplifier (Line Item 0003):

  • Signal output tunable: 650-880 nm (bandwidth ≤ 250 cm⁻¹)
  • Idler output tunable: 1100-1600 nm
  • Signal pulse energy: ≥ 0.8 µJ (for 30 µJ pump)
  • Idler pulse energy: ≥ 0.6 µJ (for 30 µJ pump)
  • Includes second harmonic generation for signal output (320-505 nm)
  • Stability: Pulse-to-pulse ≤ 2%, Long term power ≤ 2%

• Delivery: NIST (Gaithersburg, MD)

  • Laser: No later than 34 weeks after receipt of order.
  • OPAs: No later than 20 weeks after receipt of order.

• Installation: Within 4 weeks of CLIN delivery.

• Training: Within 14 days after installation.

• All equipment must be new, not experimental or prototype.

• No "gray market" components.

• Installation by the Contractor.

• Training for up to three users.

• Warranty: Minimum 1 year after receipt.

• Cybersecurity: Must meet federal requirements (FISMA, OMB Circular A-130, FIPS Publication 200), including system security plan, patching, access controls, vulnerability scanning, auditing, incident response, and encryption (TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated).

• Contractor Personnel: Must comply with NIST safety, security, and identification badge requirements. Vehicle registration required for campus access. Media inquiries must be relayed to COR/CO.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12. The acquisition is for a Laser and Optical Parametric Amplifiers for Multiphoton Microscopy, as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• CLIN 0001: Laser (IAW Attachment 1)

• CLIN 0002: First Optical Parametric Amplifier (IAW Attachment 1)

• CLIN 0003: Second Optical Parametric Amplifier (IAW Attachment 1)

• CLIN 0004: Installation for CLINs 0001-0003 (IAW Attachment 1)

• CLIN 0005: Transportation and Other related expenses (Not-to-Exceed amount)

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Solicitation Number: 1333ND26QNB030035.

• Provisions and clauses are current through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06 and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

• Submission Deadline: February 16, 2026, by 11:00 am Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to tracy.retterer@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled into three distinct volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability, meeting SOW requirements with citations, manufacturer authorization if applicable).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping; identify foreign product charges/tariffs separately).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (address any exceptions to solicitation terms).

• Inquiries: Submit written questions to tracy.retterer@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov no later than 5 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Technical capability must meet or exceed all minimum requirements specified in the SOW. Price reasonableness will also be evaluated.

• This acquisition is solicited as unrestricted competition.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Reference Attachment 1 (Statement of Work) for detailed requirements and Attachment 2 (Applicable Provisions and Clauses).

• Quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• The government may award without discussions based on initial quotes.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses that are applicable to this solicitation and any resulting contract. It also provides the full text for several key clauses, including FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services), and includes specific NIST local clauses.

• Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: Lists numerous FAR provisions and clauses, many with deviations effective January 2026. These cover a wide range of topics including:
  • Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales
  • Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements
  • System for Award Management (SAM) requirements
  • Reporting Executive Compensation and Subcontract Awards
  • Trade Agreements
  • Equal Opportunity and Employment Reporting
  • Combating Trafficking in Persons
  • Sustainable Products and Services
  • Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer
  • Protest procedures (Agency, GAO, Court of Federal Claims)
  • Place of Manufacture and Acceptance
  • Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (related to telecommunications, Sudan, Iran)
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.212-4, detailing terms and conditions for commercial items, including definitions, inspection/acceptance, changes, disputes, payment, termination, and warranty.
• NIST Local Clauses: Includes specific instructions for contractors regarding COR designation, agency protests, GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests, place of acceptance, contract performance during NIST operating status changes, electronic billing, and invoicing processing platforms.

Bidders must carefully review all listed provisions and clauses to understand their contractual obligations and requirements. This document is critical for determining compliance, understanding contract terms, and preparing a compliant offer. Key areas to note include submission requirements (e.g., SAM registration, certifications), performance expectations, payment procedures, and protest rights. The "Place of Manufacture" and "Trade Agreements" provisions are particularly important for determining product eligibility and pricing. Bidders should pay close attention to any "DEVIATION JAN 2026" clauses, as these indicate recent changes to standard FAR text.