Fourier-transform spectrometer
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for a compact Fourier-transform spectrometer (FTS). This FTS is critical for advancing measurement science for illicit drug identification and quantification as part of the NIST SERI program and the TRANQ Research Act 2023. NIST intends to issue a Sole Source Award to Bruker Scientific, LLC if no alternate sources are identified. Responses are due by June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires an FTS with continuous spectral coverage over the 2 mm to 11 mm wavelength range at a high spectral resolution of 0.5 cm-1 or better. The FTS must work with user-supplied light sources and an MCT-cooled detector. Key specifications include a compact design (18 cm x 16 cm x 8 cm without detector), peak detectivity greater than 5x10^10, wavenumber repeatability of 10 ppm or better, and a scan frequency of 4 Hz or better, with a temperature-stabilized reference laser. This equipment is essential for building a portable drug-sensing imaging system and analyzing metamaterial sensor performance for rapid, multiplex drug detection.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage, intent to sole source)
- Response Due: June 2, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: May 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Response Requirements
Interested sources must provide company details (name, address, contact, UEI), product information (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, reseller status), performance capabilities, customization limits, and identify any unmet specifications. Respondents should also state if the equipment is manufactured in the U.S., provide NAICS code feedback, describe available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms of sale, facility renovation services, pricing, and any existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts. Customer references and additional valuable information are also requested. Proprietary information should not be included.
Additional Notes
This is a market research notice and not a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government is not obligated to pay for information provided. Responses will inform NIST's market research. Questions should be submitted 5 days prior to the response date to Junee Johnson (junee.johnson@nist.gov).