Mode-Locked Laser
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), specifically its Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify potential sources for a mode-locked laser system. This system is crucial for supporting research in nonlinear integrated photonics for quantum sensing and timekeeping applications. Responses are due June 12, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NIST requires a mode-locked laser source with adequate pulse power, pulse duration, low noise, and fast actuation mechanisms to enable stabilization and drive nonlinear processes. This is a market research effort to gather information on industry capabilities for a potential future acquisition. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing).
Key Requirements
The contractor shall provide a Firm Fixed Price quotation for a new mode-locked laser system that meets or exceeds detailed technical specifications. Key requirements include:
- Wavelength: 1550 nm to 1560 nm
- Bandwidth: >10 nm (3 dB spectral)
- Repetition Rate: 400 MHz (within one part in 10^9)
- Output Power: >40 mW (average, without amplification)
- Noise: Free-running comb optical linewidth <=10 kHz; shot-noise limited phase noise and RIN at offsets >1 MHz
- Actuators: Fast (>=20 kHz bandwidth, >=1 kHz tuning) and slow (<10 Hz bandwidth, >=30 kHz tuning) for repetition rate, plus carrier envelope offset frequency feedback.
- Timing Jitter: <=20 fs
- Output: Optical fiber with FC/APC connector
- Construction: Hermetically sealed, no user alignment, internal photodiode for clock signal.
- Dimensions: <300 mm x 300 mm (parallel to optical table), <75 mm (thickness).
- Warranty: Minimum 12 months, with options to extend up to three years. All items must be new; experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" components are not acceptable.
Submission & Eligibility
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the primary contact. Responses should not exceed 4 pages and must include:
- Company information (name, address, point of contact, CAGE code, DUNS number).
- Product details (manufacturer, model, specifications, country of manufacturing, reseller status).
- Performance capabilities, customization options, and any specifications that cannot be met.
- Small business status for NAICS 334516, and suggestions for alternative NAICS codes.
- Available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms of sale, and facility renovation services.
- Information on pricing, discounts, existing contract vehicles, and past customers. Respondents must be registered and "active" in SAM.gov.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Published Date: June 5, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. There is no solicitation available at this time. Questions regarding this notice should be submitted at least 5 days prior to the response date.