Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire 780 Widely Tunable Laser with PDH Module
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 the Photonics and Optomechanics Group, intends to non-competitively acquire a 780 Widely Tunable Laser with PDH Module from Toptica Photonics. This acquisition is crucial for developing quantum sensing technology, particularly for inertial measurement applications. This is a Special Notice and not a request for quotation.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a widely-tunable laser covering the wavelength range of 750 nm to 790 nm without mode hops. Key specifications include built-in frequency stabilization, fast external stabilization electronics for linewidth reduction, and a fully digital controller with a 24-bit input resolution. The controller must allow for spectrum measurement, locking to spectral features, and control of both the laser and the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) electronics. A single-mode, polarization-maintaining fiber-coupled output is also required.
Contract & Timeline
- Announcement Type: Special Notice
- Authority: RFO 12.102(a) (FAR 12.102(a))
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Intended Awardee: Toptica Photonics, 1120 PITTSFORD VICTOR RD, PITTSFORD, NY 14534 USA (UEI: EYC4JKCBA7J9)
- Response Due: June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: June 10, 2026
Justification & Requirements
NIST's market research (February – May 2026) determined that the Toptica CTL 780 with PDH Module is the only product capable of meeting the minimum technical requirements. These include the specific tuning range (750-790 nm without mode hops) for testing photonic sensors, built-in frequency stabilization, and fast external stabilization electronics to achieve the necessary measurement precision for applications like inertial measurement. No other vendor was found to offer a similar product that meets these critical specifications.
Response Instructions
Any sources believing they can meet NIST's minimum requirements are encouraged to respond by the due date. Responses must include:
- Company Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov.
- Detailed information on how the company's offerings meet or exceed NIST's minimum requirements.
- Evidence of authorization if acting as a reseller of the product or service.
- Any other information to help NIST determine if the requirement can be competitively satisfied.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Cielo Ibarra, cielo.ibarra@nist.gov