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 to NKT Photonics, Inc., but is seeking information from other capable sources. Responses are due by April 28, 2026, at 11:00 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
- Included: Power supply, all communication electronics, and software control
Background & Justification
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 system utilizes NKT Photonics Mikro lasers. NIST aims to duplicate this prototype for further research, requiring identical, proprietary NKT Photonics, Inc. lasers. Market research conducted between January and April 2026 indicated that only NKT Photonics, Inc. can meet these requirements, as their lasers are proprietary and not authorized for resale.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Intended Awardee: NKT Photonics, Inc.
- Authority: FAR RFO Part 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901
- Delivery: Within fifteen weeks after contractor receipt of order
- Set-Aside: None (intended sole source)
- Response Due: April 28, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Published: April 14, 2026
- NAICS: 334513 - Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing (750 employees size standard)
- PSC: 6685 - Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity Measuring and Controlling Instruments
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 NIST's needs
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a solicitation. No award will be made as a result of this notice, and NIST will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.