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 market research to identify qualified small business sources capable of providing a 2-channel optical fiber power meter. This notice aims to gather information for a potential acquisition of a Keysight Technologies Inc. High Sensitivity Optical Power Meter (N7747C-STD). Responses are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one Keysight N7747C-STD 2-Channel fiber optical power meter (OFPM). This OFPM will be integrated into NIST's quantum network and component measurement suite to characterize optical fiber links for the DARPA Quanet phase 2 integration event. It will support NIST's research in developing a movable measurement test suite for quantum network components and protocol testing, verification, and characterization at Gaithersburg, MD.
Requirements
The required 2-Channel High Sensitivity Optical Power Meter must meet or exceed 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 (in operating temperature range)
- 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 for small business sources (potential set-aside)
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Questions Due: April 22, 2026, 11:00 AM ET
- Published: April 23, 2026
Response Instructions
Interested small businesses should email a response to Hing Pan Wong (hnw6@nist.gov) by the deadline. Responses must include:
- Company name, address, and point of contact.
- Primary NAICS, size classification, and socio-economic status.
- Specific capabilities related to the requirements.
- Information on GSA Federal Supply Schedules or other Government-wide contracts.
- Any other relevant information for consideration. Responses are limited to a maximum of six pages in MS Word or searchable PDF format.
Additional Notes
This is a notice for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal or Quotation. NIST does not intend to award a contract based on this notice and will not pay for information submitted. Proprietary data should be clearly marked. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order for the Keysight N7747C-STD on a brand name only basis.