COMBINED SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: 1552.93 NM LASER 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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a 1552.93 nm Laser System. NIST intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to NKT Photonics, Inc., citing proprietary equipment and market research. However, other interested parties are invited to demonstrate their capability to meet the requirements. Responses are due by May 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one laser system with the following minimum specifications:
- Design Wavelength: Centered at 1550 nm
- Tunable Range: At least 100 nm
- Maximum Tuning Step Size: 10 pm
- Operation: Stable single frequency
- Output: Coupled to polarization maintaining fiber (FC/APC) with at least 3 mW output power
- Linewidth: < 1 kHz
- Relative Intensity Noise: Less than -150 dBc / Hz at 1 MHz
- Includes: Power supply, communication electronics, and software control
Background & Rationale
NIST's Sensor Science Division is investigating ruggedized optical-based pressure metrology using Fixed Length Optical Cavity (FLOC) technology for US Air Force calibration. The current prototype uses NKT Photonics Mikro lasers, which are proprietary. Market research conducted between January and April 2026 indicated NKT Photonics, Inc. as the only capable source.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- NAICS: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- PSC: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
- Intended Awardee: NKT Photonics, Inc. (UEI: WJNUYEZ9UT11)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901
- Delivery: Within fifteen weeks after contractor receipt of order
- Response Due: May 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET
- Published: April 30, 2026
How to Respond
Interested parties capable of meeting the requirements must submit a written response via email to Lauren.Roller@nist.gov by the deadline. Responses should include:
- Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact (Name, Phone, Email)
- Contractor UEI
- Contractor Business Classification (as validated in SAM.gov)
- Capability Statement describing how your company can meet the Government's needs
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a solicitation. Responses will be used for market research and will not be considered proposals or quotations. NIST is not responsible for costs incurred by respondents.