Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire Widely Tunable Laser with Fast Stabilization
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, has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a non-competitive contract to Toptica Photonics for a Widely Tunable Laser with Fast Stabilization (CTL 1550). This acquisition is crucial for NIST's quantum sensing technology development, particularly for reading out sensors and achieving precise laser frequency stabilization. Responses from other capable sources are due by June 24, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
NIST requires a widely tunable laser system with fast stabilization electronics. Key specifications include:
- Wavelength Range: 1510 nm to 1630 nm without mode hops.
- Frequency Stabilization: Built-in capabilities to lock the laser to photonic sensors, plus fast external stabilization electronics (at least 50 MHz bandwidth) for linewidth reduction and decreased frequency noise.
- Controller Features: Interactive screen, 24-bit input resolution, single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber-coupled output, simultaneous coarse and piezoelectric tuning, and the ability to measure, display, and lock to spectral features independently.
- Locking Electronics: Fast Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) detection and PID control electronics.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Non-Competitive Contract (Special Notice)
- Proposed Awardee: Toptica Photonics (CTL 1550 with Fast Stabilization)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a)
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Response Due: June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: June 10, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Justification for Sole Source
NIST's market research (February – May 2026) concluded that only Toptica Photonics can meet the minimum technical requirements. The CTL 1550's specific tuning range, built-in frequency stabilization, and fast locking capabilities are essential for testing photonic sensors and integrated circuits, supporting national needs in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), and developing next-generation sensors for AFRL. A prototype product is not acceptable.
Action for Interested Sources
This is not a request for quotation. However, any sources believing they can meet NIST's minimum requirements are encouraged to respond by the due date. Responses should include:
- Company Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov.
- Detailed capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements.
- Evidence of authorized reseller status, if applicable.
- Any other information to help NIST determine if the requirement can be competitively satisfied.
- Contact: Cielo Ibarra, cielo.ibarra@nist.gov