Laser Source for Q-Switched Metrology
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) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential and eligible business firms capable of providing a Laser Source for Q-Switched Metrology. This market research will inform the method of acquisition for a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser system required for calibrating Laser Pulse-Energy Instruments. The place of performance is Boulder, CO. Responses are due by May 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser system with specific technical requirements:
- Primary Item: Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser (Quantity: 1)
- Wavelength: 1064 nm with spectral bandwidth < 0.3 nm
- Pulse duration: < 10 ns
- Beam-shape: Approximate Gaussian in the Far-field
- Pulse energy: >= 600 mJ
- Repetition rate: Up to 20 Hz
- Gain medium: Nd:YAG crystal rod
- Separately Priced Options: Second Harmonic Generator (532 nm), Third Harmonic Generator (355 nm), and a Water-to-Air heat exchanger.
The laser will be used to perform calibrations for U.S. Industry and U.S. Military Customers. Delivery, installation, and training are to be completed no later than December 31, 2026.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Set-Aside: The results of this market research will be used to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered, but NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: May 22, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 12, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic copies of their capability statement, limited to four (4) pages or less, including:
- Name of the company providing the product(s).
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience in meeting specifications.
- Typical lead time for delivery after receipt of order.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications.
Proprietary information should be clearly marked. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation or Proposal and does not commit the Government to award a contract. The information provided is DRAFT and subject to change. The Government will not pay for any information received. Responses will help identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, who manufacture the product in the U.S. The Contract Specialist is de Ionne Jones (deionne.jones@nist.gov).