Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Continuously Tunable 1550nm 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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically its Sensor Science Division (SSD), has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Continuously Tunable 1550nm Laser. This market research aims to identify potential sources for a critical component of NIST's new Vacuum Fixed-Length Optical Cavity (VFLOC) program, which is developing next-generation optical pressure standards. If no other capable sources are identified, NIST intends to award a Sole Source contract to Toptica Photonics Inc. under FAR 12.102(a). Responses are due by March 31, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a narrow linewidth, fiber-coupled, continuously tunable near-IR laser with continuous spectral coverage between approximately 1.5 to 1.6 µm. The laser system must include a laser head, drive electronics, and locking electronics for Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking. Key technical specifications include:
- Mode-hope free tuning range of 100 nm or greater centered at 1.5 µm.
- Power > 10 mW over the full tuning range.
- Fiber-coupled output and optical isolation > 60 dB.
- Short-term laser linewidth of 10 kHz or better.
- Piezo wavelength tuning of 30 GHz or greater.
- Absolute wavelength accuracy < 150 pm.
- Electronics for current, temperature, piezo drivers, and automated scanning.
- PDH locking module with 5 MHz or 25 MHz modulation frequency and adjustable phase.
- Fast locking electronics with PID control, high-speed differential inputs, analog mixer, and two feedback channels.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: March 18, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Market Research & Intent
NIST conducted market research from January to February 2026, concluding that only Toptica Photonics Inc. (UEI: EYC4JKCBA7J9) appears capable of meeting the minimum requirements. This notice serves to confirm if other sources exist.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit non-proprietary information via email to the primary contact. Responses must include:
- Company details (name, address, contact, UEI).
- Product information (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, reseller status).
- Performance capabilities, customization options, and any limitations in meeting NIST's draft specifications.
- Manufacturing location (US/non-US) and potential changes.
- NAICS code confirmation (small/other business) and alternative suggestions.
- Available services (installation, training, maintenance).
- Standard terms and conditions of sale, including warranty.
- Facility renovation services, if applicable.
- Published pricing, discounts, and Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract details.
- Customer references.
- Any other valuable information or requests for clarification. Responses are limited to 10 pages.
Important Notes
This is for market research only and does not guarantee a solicitation or contract award. NIST will not pay for information provided. Respondents must be registered and "active" in SAM for any future award consideration.