Luciol Instruments Correlation Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (C-OTDR) for USNO

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of one (1) High-Resolution Correlation Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (C-OTDR) for the United States Naval Observatory (USNO). The USNO requires this instrument for the production and dissemination of Precise Time, Astrometry, and Earth Orientation Parameters, and for maintaining precision fiber optic network characterization and signal latency measurements.

• Product: One (1) customized metrology-grade Correlation Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (C-OTDR).

• Model Alignment: Aligned with Luciol Instruments LOR-220 series, specifically the manufacturer part number LOR-223-SMF-1310FP/1550FP/1650FP-AFC, or an exact technical equivalent.

• Optical Requirements:

  • Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
  • Wavelengths: Three (3) built-in optical sources at 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1650 nm.
  • Light Source Technology: Fabry-Perot (FP) Lasers required; Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are unacceptable.

• Performance & Resolution:

  • Technology: Photon-counting or correlation OTDR (C-OTDR).
  • Pulse Width: 1 nanosecond (1 ns) or less.
  • Event Dead Zone: Not to exceed 15 centimeters (cm).
  • Spatial Resolution: Capable of resolving events separated by as little as 10 cm.
  • Refractive Index (IOR) Input: Software must allow manual input and adjustment.

• Hardware & Interface:

  • Optical Connector: AFC (Angled Physical Contact / FC-APC) style.
  • Form Factor: Portable, standalone unit.

• Included Items: AC power adapter, compatible internal battery, standard manufacturer documentation (User Manual, Calibration Certificate), and a standard protective carrying case.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Delivery by July 31, 2026.

• Lead Time: Expected 4 to 20 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order) due to custom configuration. Vendors must state their estimated lead time.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to ashley.n.steele8.civ@us.navy.mil by the due date.

• Quote Content: Must include Solicitation Number, Quoter's Name/Address/Cage Code, Point of Contact, Quote Validity (30 days), terms and conditions, Country of Origin, and Lead Time. A completed price list for each CLIN is required.

• Evaluation: The Government intends to award on a sole source basis to Luciol Instruments. However, other interested parties may identify their interest and capability. The award will be based on PRICE ONLY, evaluated for reasonableness. The Government reserves the right to consider past performance if quotes are otherwise equal.

• Acquisition Type: Unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 334519 (Size Standard: 500 employees).

• Sole Source Intent: The Government intends to solicit and award on a sole source basis to Luciol Instruments, but will consider other responses.

• Shipping: To the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.

• Acceptance Criteria: Final acceptance upon successful power-on self-test (POST) and verification of specifications.

• Security: Equipment is unclassified COTS hardware; no specialized security clearance is required for delivery.

Solicitation / Sole Source Justification

This document is a justification for a sole source procurement of a Luciol Instruments Correlation Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (C-OTDR), Part Number: LOR-223-SMF-1310FP/1550FP/1650FP-AFC. The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) requires this specialized equipment for its mission of producing and disseminating Precise Time, Astrometry, and Earth Orientation Parameters. The equipment is needed to perform ultra-high-resolution, single-ended distance and propagation delay measurements on passive Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) links in a GPS-reduced environment where dual-ended, GPS-synchronized testing is not feasible.

• Technology: Photon-counting / Correlation OTDR (C-OTDR) with metrology-grade precision.

• Wavelengths: Three internal laser sources at 1310 nm, 1550 nm, and 1650 nm.

• Resolution: Capable of resolving events separated by 10 cm, with a dead zone not exceeding 15 cm. Optical pulse width must be 1 nanosecond or less.

• Form Factor: Fully portable, standalone unit with integrated display, operating system, and internal rechargeable battery for cordless operation.

• UI Capability: Software must allow manual input and adjustment of Group Refractive Index with high precision.

• Test Port: Must be fitted with an FC-APC connector.

• Contractor: Cotsworks, LLC. (authorized reseller of Luciol Instruments).

• Estimated Price/Cost: $37,600.00 (Independent Government Estimate).

• Required Award Date: June 30, 2026.

• Expected Delivery Lead Time: 20 weeks.

Market research indicates that only the Luciol Instruments LOR-220 series meets the highly specialized minimum requirements for metrology-grade spatial resolution and a portable form factor. Conventional portable OTDRs from other manufacturers do not offer comparable performance in terms of resolution or dead zone. Cotsworks, LLC. is identified as the only authorized reseller of Luciol Instruments products in the United States.

• This justification precludes the use of full and open competition.
• The document includes technical/requirements certification by the USNO Requiring Activity and determination by NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk.