External Cavity Diode Lasers
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), Department of Commerce, has issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) NB672020-26-00552 for External Cavity Diode Lasers and associated modules. This Unrestricted opportunity seeks to procure specialized laser systems for the "Sensor for a Laser Intensity Quantum Standard" (SLIQ) project, supporting Rydberg measurements and high-power laser imaging. Quotations are due by March 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST.
Scope of Work
NIST requires two external cavity diode lasers (780 nm and 776 nm) along with saturation spectroscopy modules, fiber-coupling ports, auto-lock software, and fiber patch cables. Key technical specifications include:
- 780nm ECDL: Tuning range 778-790 nm, >90 mW output, ≤ 10 kHz linewidth, >10 GHz mode-hop free tuning, M2<2, >60 dB optical isolator, fiber coupling, software-based atomic reference locking, and computer control (TCP/IP/USB with LabView/Python APIs). Must be compatible with Toptica Photonics systems.
- 776nm ECDL: Similar specifications to the 780nm laser, with a tuning range of 770-790 nm and >35 mW output power.
- Ancillary Equipment: Includes two saturation spectroscopy modules (compatible with Cs, Rb, K), two fiber-coupling ports for infrared beams, two auto-lock software licenses with GUI and PID optimization, and two polarization-maintaining fiber patch cables (760-980nm and 980-1300nm).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder, CO.
- Delivery: Within 4 Weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO); partial delivery is acceptable.
- Warranty: Base manufacturer warranty (1 year/3000 hours) with one option period.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026, 2:00 PM MST.
- Inquiries Deadline: March 5, 2026.
- Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to lia.arthofer@nist.gov, referencing RFQ number NB672020-26-00552.
- Quotation Format: Must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.
- Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible quoter offering the lowest priced, technically acceptable solution. Technical capability will be assessed based on meeting all minimum requirements.
- Vendor Requirements: Quoters must have an active registration in SAM.gov (UEI) at the time of submission, award, and performance, and possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at the time of award.
Additional Notes
This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC. Bidders should review Attachment 3 for applicable FAR and CAR provisions and clauses, including protest procedures and billing instructions.