Optical fiber power meter (2-channel)
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) is conducting a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing a 2-Channel Optical Fiber Power Meter. This market research aims to determine the appropriate acquisition method for a Keysight N7747C-STD unit, which will support the DARPA Quanet phase 2 integration event. Responses are due by April 30, 2026.
Purpose & Background
NIST's Quantum Information Group requires a Keysight N7747C-STD 2-Channel fiber optical power meter (OFPM) for the DARPA Quanet phase 2 integration event. This OFPM will characterize optical fiber links and be integrated into NIST's quantum network and component measurement suite, assisting research on developing a movable measurement test suite for quantum network components and protocol testing. This notice is for market research only; if no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order for the brand-name item.
Requirements
NIST seeks a 2-Channel High Sensitivity Optical Power Meter, quantity one (1), meeting or exceeding the following salient characteristics:
- 2 channel inputs
- Operating wavelength range: 800 nm to 1700 nm
- Power range: –110 dBm to +10 dBm
- Averaging time: 25 µs to 10 s
- Linearity: < ± 0.030 dB
- Polarization dependent responsivity: < ± 0.005 dB
- Drift: < ± 0.05 pW
- Noise peak-to-peak (dark): < 0.08 pW
- 2 Connector interfaces, each for LC, FC, and E-2000
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Market research to determine if a set-aside is possible. Seeking small business responses.
- Questions Due: April 22, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Responses Due: April 30, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Published: April 17, 2026
Response Instructions
Interested small businesses should email a response to Hing Pan Wong at hnw6@nist.gov. Responses must include:
- Company name, address, and point of contact.
- Primary NAICS, size classification, and socio-economic status.
- Specific description of capabilities related to the requirements.
- Information on GSA Federal Supply Schedules or other Government-wide contracts.
- Any other relevant information. Responses are limited to a maximum of six (6) pages in MS Word or searchable PDF format. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation or an obligation to award a contract. NIST will not pay for information submitted.