Mid-IR/Far-IR Optical Frequency Comb

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure Optical Frequency Comb Systems to support research and development in semiconductor metrology, enabling quantitative detection of trace species in gases, plasmas, and at interfaces. The systems will also support broadband spectroscopy for spectral reference databases and calibration of infrared spectroradiometers for space, defense, and satellite industries.

• Purchase of three (3) Optical Frequency Comb Systems.

• Two (2) Long-wave infrared frequency combs (Line Item 0001) with specific technical requirements including:

  • Mode-locked pump laser with phase-locked repetition rate and carrier-envelop-offset frequency.
  • Amplified average power >= 2 W.
  • Pulse duration <= 80 femtoseconds.
  • Repetition rate between 75 MHz and 105 MHz.
  • Output wavelength range from 5 µm to 15 µm with continuous coverage.
  • Instantaneous average output power >= 10 mW.
  • Optical power spectral density >= 10-4 mW/nm.
  • Spectral 3-dB bandwidth >= 100 cm-1.

• One (1) Mid-wave infrared frequency comb (Line Item 0002) with specific technical requirements including:

  • Mode-locked pump laser with phase-locked repetition rate and carrier-envelop-offset frequency.
  • Amplified average power >= 2 W.
  • Pulse duration <= 80 femtoseconds.
  • Repetition rate between 75 MHz and 105 MHz.
  • Output wavelength range from 2.6 µm to 5 µm with continuous coverage.
  • Instantaneous average output power >= 100 mW.
  • Optical power spectral density >= 10-3 mW/nm.
  • Spectral 3-dB bandwidth >= 50 cm-1.

• Three (3) Comb locking and powering electronics systems (Line Item 0003) to power lasers and control systems.

• Three (3) Installation services (Line Item 0004) including setup, hook-up, and demonstration.

• Systems must meet all technical specifications outlined in the SOW.

• NIST will conduct performance tests and evaluations.

• Acceptance testing includes direct frequency comb spectroscopy and visual inspection.

• Delivery: No later than 40 weeks after receipt of award for Line Items 0001, 0002, and 0003; no later than 44 weeks for Line Item 0004.

• Installation: No later than 4 weeks after delivery.

• Place of Performance: NIST Gaithersburg, MD.

• All equipment must be new; used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered.

• Systems must include all original documentation and software.

• Cybersecurity and privacy protection requirements must be met.

• A minimum one-year warranty after acceptance is required.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products, specifically a CHIPS R&D Optical frequency comb system (mid-IR and far-IR). It is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under unrestricted competition, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12.

The solicitation details the following line items (CLINs) for which firm-fixed-price quotations are requested:

• CLIN 0001: Long-wave infrared frequency combs
• CLIN 0002: Mid-wave infrared frequency comb
• CLIN 0003: Comb locking and powering electronics
• CLIN 0004: Installation
• CLIN 0005: Transportation and Other related expenses (Not-to-Exceed amount)

Detailed requirements are provided in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work) and applicable provisions/clauses are in Attachment 2.

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

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but delivery and acceptance dates are required per the SOW.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Quotation Due Date: April 22, 2026, by 11:00 am Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Must be submitted in writing no later than 5 calendar days after the solicitation issuance date.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and divided into four volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability to meet or exceed requirements with citations)
  • Volume II: Demonstrated Experience (up to three relevant contracts/projects)
  • Volume III: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price, including shipping and tariffs)
  • Volume IV: Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions)

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made on a best-value basis, considering non-priced factors (Technical Capability, Experience) as significantly more important than Price. NIST reserves the right to award without discussions based solely upon initial quotes.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Competition: Unrestricted competition.

• Offerors must provide a firm-fixed-price quotation.

• Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• Any objections to terms and conditions must be clearly stated; otherwise, acceptance is assumed.

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Clauses," lists various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific clauses and provisions that are incorporated by reference into the contract. It serves to inform potential bidders about the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the contract.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-1): Notifies offerors that solicitation provisions are incorporated by reference and provides instructions on how to obtain their full text and how to submit them with an offer.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-2): Informs offerors that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and how to access their full text.
• List of Incorporated Clauses/Provisions: A comprehensive list of FAR and agency-specific clauses and provisions, including deviations and specific dates, covering a wide range of topics such as:
  • Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales
  • Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights
  • Limitations on Payments to Influence Federal Transactions
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Requiring Internal Confidentiality Agreements
  • System for Award Management (SAM) requirements
  • Reporting Executive Compensation and Subcontract Awards
  • Trade Agreements
  • Place of Manufacture
  • Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (related to Iran and Sudan)
  • Contract Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Services (FAR 52.212-4)
  • Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) designation and responsibilities
  • Agency Protests and GAO/Court of Federal Claims Protests procedures
  • Place of Acceptance
  • Electronic Billing Instructions
  • Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP) requirements

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the mandatory terms, conditions, and legal requirements that will apply to the contract. Bidders must review these clauses and provisions to understand their obligations, potential risks, and compliance requirements. Failure to understand or comply with these incorporated clauses can impact proposal submission, evaluation, and contract performance. It is essential for bidders to familiarize themselves with these requirements to determine their ability to meet them and to accurately price their proposals.