FY26 USAFA DFPM Quantum Education Lab Kits
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 US Air Force Academy (USAFA) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify potential vendors capable of providing Quantum Education Lab Kits. This system will support educational, training, and research missions in quantum physics, focusing on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, single-photon detection, and quantum entanglement. Capability Statements are due by June 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USAFA seeks a modular, turnkey Quantum Demonstration and Experiment System. Key requirements include:
- System Architecture & Detection: Central control unit, 4 detectors (2 APD, 2 PD), picosecond jitter time tagging, single photon/coincidence counting, and data analysis capabilities.
- Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Module: NV diamond setup with 3 HPHT diamonds, 516 nm excitation diode laser (CW/Pulsed), 4 GHz RF sweep generator (CW/Pulsed), and 3 magnetic field coils (±1.5A).
- Entanglement Photonics Module: Pre-aligned, turnkey demonstrator with SPDC Type I degenerate BBO crystal, 405 nm pump laser (>50mW), 810 nm entangled photon operating wavelength, and guaranteed Bell parameter S > 2.3.
Requested Information
Interested parties should submit a Capability Statement (max 5 pages) including:
- Company Profile: Name, Address, POC, CAGE, UEI.
- Socioeconomic Status: Business size under NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing).
- Product Capability: Literature demonstrating compliance with salient characteristics, existing GWACs/MAS contracts, and OEM/reseller status.
- Estimated Lead Time: Delivery timeline for the complete system.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing)
- PSC: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT
- Published: June 15, 2026
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government will not pay for information submitted.