Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
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 CHIPS Metrology Program within the Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a narrowband mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate. This acquisition is intended to enhance advanced Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) metrology for measuring thermal properties of materials at the nanoscale. Responses from interested parties are due by April 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) narrowband mid-IR laser system that meets specific technical specifications:
- Laser Source: Single laser or array in a single enclosure, emitting collinear light from one port.
- Wavelength: Tunable between ~2.5 µm to 10.0 µm (or wider) without gaps.
- Pulse Length: Between 0.1 ns and 10 ns.
- Linewidths: < 8 cm-1 (preferred < 4 cm-1).
- Wavelength Tuning: Continuous or stepped tuning with 1 cm-1 steps at an average rate of 9 cm-1/s or faster (preferred ≥ 50 cm-1/s).
- Repetition Rate: Tunable between 100 kHz to 200 kHz (or wider) with 1 kHz resolution.
- Average Power: > 5 mW at 200 kHz repetition rate.
- Polarization: Linear polarization.
- Alignment Laser: Includes a reference visible alignment laser (< 4 mW) collinear with the main mid-IR output.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a)
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Response Due: April 7, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: March 24, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Market Research & Justification
NIST conducted market research from December 2025 to February 2026, including GSA, SAM, vendor websites, laser buyer's guides, trade shows, and a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS66). This research indicated that Laserspec (UEI: QC7FMKKHANW9) is currently the only source capable of meeting NIST's minimum requirements.
Action Items
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).
- Details on capabilities that meet or exceed NIST's requirements.
- Evidence of authorization if an authorized reseller.
- Any other information to help NIST determine if the requirement can be competitively satisfied.
Responses will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Submissions must be sent via email to nina.lin@nist.gov.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Nina Lin
- Email: nina.lin@nist.gov