External Cavity Diode Lasers

Amendment / Modification

This document is Revision 1 of the Requirements / Specification Document, dated 3/11/2026. It details specifications for external cavity diode lasers and related equipment.

• Item 1: 780nm External Cavity Diode Laser specifications updated.

• Item 2: 776nm External Cavity Diode Laser specifications updated.

• Item 3: Saturation Spectroscopy Module specifications updated.

• Item 4: Fiber-Coupling Port for Infrared Beams specifications updated.

• Item 5: Auto-Lock Software specifications updated.

• Item 6: Fiber Patch Cables specifications updated.

• Vendor Requirements: Updated to include ECCN and active SAM.gov UEI registration.

• Procurement Support Information and Ancillary Services: Sections for Planning Considerations, Shipping & Delivery, Electronic Media, Installation, Facility/Utility Considerations, Inspection and Acceptance, Training, and Warranty have been updated with specific requirements and options.

• The document specifies delivery dates, including "Delivery Shall Be Competed No Later Than: 4 Weeks ARO" and a placeholder for "Delivery Shall Be Made No Earlier Than." Vendors should note these delivery timelines.

• Vendor requirements now explicitly state the need for an active SAM.gov UEI registration at the time of award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed specifications and quantities for a "Sensor for a Laser Intensity Quantum Standard" (SLIQ) device, which NIST requires for Rydberg measurements in rubidium and cesium atoms. It details the components, their technical requirements, and ancillary services needed.

Item 1: 780nm External Cavity Diode Laser (Quantity: 1)

• Tunable diode laser with external cavity, 778 nm - 790 nm coarse tuning.
• Output power >90 mW out of optical fiber.
• Linewidth ≤ 10 kHz (5 microseconds).
• Mode-hop free tuning range > 10 GHz.
• Beam quality M2 < 2.
• Optical Isolator >60 dB isolation.
• Fiber coupling required.
• Software-based atomic reference locking, FFT, power stabilization.
• Controllable via TCP/IP or USB with free APIs for LabView and Python.
• Ultra-stable mirrors, solid metal housing, low noise drivers.
• Integrated control electronics compatible with Toptica Photonics systems.

Item 2: 776nm External Cavity Diode Laser (Quantity: 1)

• Tunable diode laser with external cavity, 770 nm - 790 nm coarse tuning.
• Output power >35 mW out of optical fiber.
• Linewidth ≤ 10 kHz (5 microseconds).
• Mode-hop free tuning range > 10 GHz.
• Beam quality M2 < 2.
• Optical Isolator >60 dB isolation.
• Fiber coupling required.
• Software-based atomic reference locking, FFT, power stabilization.
• Controllable via TCP/IP or USB with free APIs for LabView and Python.
• Ultra-stable mirrors, solid metal housing, low noise drivers.
• Integrated control electronics compatible with Toptica Photonics systems.

Item 3: Saturation Spectroscopy Module (Quantity: 2)

• Fiber input for polarization maintaining FC/APC fiber.
• Compatible with Cs, Rb, K.
• Doppler free and broadened spectra for laser locking.
• Gain, offset, temperature adjustments.
• Magnetic field coil with modulation input.
• Photodetector bandwidth of 5 MHz.

Item 4: Fiber-Coupling Port for Infrared Beams (Quantity: 2)

• Monitors fundamental laser frequency.
• FC/APC style fiber coupler.
• Stable coupler with X, Y, Z adjustments.

Item 5: Auto-Lock Software (Quantity: 2)

• Fully integrated into laser controller.
• Digital feedback control over two laser parameters.
• Computer control via a GUI.
• Automatic PID setting optimization.

Item 6: Fiber Patch Cables (Quantity: 2)

• One cable for 760-980nm, one for 980-1300nm.
• Polarization maintaining, single mode, 3 meters length each.

Vendor Requirements:

• Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
• Must possess a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) active on SAM.gov.

Procurement Support Information:

• Shipping Address: NIST Boulder, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• Partial Delivery Acceptable.
• Delivery Date Criteria: Within 4 Weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order).
• Electronic Media Requirements: Software, Electronic Manuals, License Key.

Warranty:

• Base manufacturer warranty acceptable.
• Length: 1 Year or 3000 hours.
• Includes: Laser Diodes, 1 Option Period.

This document provides the technical specifications and requirements for a complex laser system. Bidders must carefully review each item's specifications to determine their ability to meet the stringent performance criteria, including laser output power, linewidth, tuning range, beam quality, and software control capabilities. The vendor requirements, shipping, and warranty information are also critical for proposal preparation. The inclusion of specific compatibility requirements (e.g., Toptica Photonics systems) and software control APIs (LabView, Python) indicates a need for specialized expertise.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation. It also provides the full text for certain agency-specific provisions and clauses.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR provisions (e.g., 52.203-11, 52.204-5, 52.212-1) and their dates. These require offeror action or representation.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR clauses (e.g., 52.203-6, 52.209-6, 52.212-4) and their dates. These govern the contract terms.
• Full Text Provisions: Provides the complete text for CAR 1352.233-70 (Agency Protests) and CAR 1352.233-71 (GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests), including addresses for filing protests.
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for 1352.246-70 (Place of Acceptance) and NIST LOCAL-53 (Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status).
• Billing Instructions: Details requirements for submitting invoices electronically via email to INVOICE@NIST.GOV and the necessary information for each invoice. It also mentions the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and waiver procedures.

Bidders must review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements. Specific attention should be paid to provisions requiring offeror completion or representation. The full-text provisions and clauses outline protest procedures, acceptance locations, and critical operational guidance related to NIST campus status, which may impact contract performance and require specific actions from the contractor. The billing instructions are essential for understanding payment procedures.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, specifically "External Cavity Diode Lasers." It serves as the sole solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is being solicited as Unrestricted.

The government is procuring the following items, with requirements detailed in Attachment #2 - Specifications:

• CLIN 0001: 780 nm External Cavity Diode Laser

• CLIN 0002: 776 nm External Cavity Diode Laser

• CLIN 0003: Saturation Spectroscopy Module

• CLIN 0004: Fiber-Coupling Port for Infrared Beams

• CLIN 0005: Auto-lock Software

• CLIN 0006: Fiber Patch Cables

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but delivery and acceptance dates are in the Specifications document.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 2:00 PM MST on 03/11/2026.

• Submission Method: Via email to lia.arthofer@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number NB672020-26-00552 in the subject line.

• Inquiries Deadline: Questions must be submitted in writing by 03/05/2026 to lia.arthofer@nist.gov.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical Quotation, Price Quotation, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced and technically acceptable. Technical capability will be evaluated based on whether the proposed equipment meets all minimum requirements. Prices will be evaluated for reasonableness.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• SAM.gov Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and through award and performance.

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through FAC 2025-06 and RFO.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the requirements for two external cavity diode lasers (780 nm and 776 nm) and associated modules for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Communications Technology Laboratory. The system, "Sensor for a Laser Intensity Quantum Standard" (SLIQ), will be used for Rydberg measurements in rubidium and cesium atoms and for imaging high-power lasers.

• Item 1: 780nm External Cavity Diode Laser (1 each) with specific tuning range (778-790 nm), output power (>90 mW), linewidth (≤ 10 kHz), mode-hop free tuning range (>10 GHz), beam quality (M2<2), optical isolator (>60 dB isolation), fiber coupling, software-based atomic reference locking, computer control (TCP/IP or USB with APIs for LabView and Python), ultra-stable mirrors, solid metal housing, low noise drivers, and integrated control electronics compatible with Toptica Photonics systems.

• Item 2: 776nm External Cavity Diode Laser (1 each) with similar specifications to Item 1, but with a tuning range of 770-790 nm and output power (>35 mW).

• Item 3: Saturation Spectroscopy Module (2 each) with polarization maintaining FC/APC fiber input, supporting Cs, Rb, K, Doppler free and broadened spectra, gain/offset/temperature adjustments, magnetic field coil, and 5 MHz bandwidth photodetector.

• Item 4: Fiber-Coupling Port for Infrared Beams (2 each) for monitoring fundamental laser frequency, with FC/APC coupler and X, Y, Z adjustments.

• Item 5: Auto-Lock Software (2 each) with integrated control, digital feedback, computer control via GUI, and automatic PID setting optimization.

• Item 6: Fiber Patch Cables (2 each) for 760-980nm and 980-1300nm ranges, polarization maintaining, single mode, 3 meters length.

• The document implies a procurement process, but specific contract type, period of performance, and estimated value are not detailed in this section.

• Vendor Requirements: Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and a "Active" Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) registered on SAM.gov at the time of award.

• Shipping & Delivery: Partial delivery is acceptable. Delivery to NIST-Boulder or NIST-Gaithersburg. Delivery shall be completed no later than 4 Weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order).

• Inspection and Acceptance: On-site acceptance not expected to exceed 7 business days. If vendor installation is required, acceptance is expected to exceed 7 business days, with an estimated duration of 14 days.

• Training: Requirements for training on operation, safety, and maintenance are outlined.

• Warranty: Base manufacturer warranty is acceptable, with options for 1-4 additional option periods. Specifics on what is included (Labor, Parts, Travel, etc.) are to be detailed.

• The document includes a checkbox for "Acceptance Not Expected to Exceed 7 Business Days" and "Acceptance will be done after vendor installation, expected duration 14 days," which may relate to small business set-aside considerations, but no explicit set-aside is stated.

• Potential vendors must coordinate with the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

• Travel requirements should be included as part of pertinent sections or as a separate line item.