PicoQuant HydraHarp500S Stand Alone USB interface
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Special Notice combining a Sources Sought and a Notice of Intent to Sole Source. NIST intends to procure one PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S Stand Alone USB interface time tagger system from PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. This system is crucial for NIST's quantum network research. Interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements must submit their capabilities by June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S time tagger, a 5-channel streaming time tagging system with less than 4 ps timing precision (rms jitter), including a full software package. This unit, manufactured by PicoQuant, GmbH (Germany), will be used to develop a measurement test suite for quantum network component and protocol testing, verification, and characterization.
Key specifications include:
- 1-sync channel and 4-detector channels (5 total).
- Direct White Rabbit synchronization capability.
- Channel deadtime < 680 ps (edge trigger) and < 6.8 ns (constant fraction discrimination).
- Total sustained count rate of at least 80 Mcps.
- Upgradable to 8-detector channels, 1ps time resolution, and constant fraction discriminator per channel.
- Full software package with development kit (Matlab, Python, Labview, C++) and lifetime updates.
- Minimum 12-month warranty covering parts and labor.
The system is to be delivered to NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, FOB Destination, within 20 weeks of order receipt.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought and Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice).
- Intended Award: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.
- Authority: FAR RFO Part 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901.
- Set-Aside: None (Intent to Sole Source).
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, by 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Published: May 28, 2026.
- Product/Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies).
Justification for Sole Source
The PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S is required for continuity of research and compatibility with existing, government-owned PicoQuant HydraHarp systems already in use at NIST. NIST researchers have developed an extensive software and data acquisition library for these systems. Market research confirmed PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. as the sole and exclusive distributor of PicoQuant, GmbH equipment for US government facilities. Using alternative time tagging units would yield incomparable research results.
How to Respond
Interested parties capable of satisfying these requirements must submit a written response via email to Mr. Hunter Tjugum at Hunter.Tjugum@nist.gov by the deadline. Responses should include:
- Contractor Name, Address.
- Point of Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email address.
- Contractor UEI.
- Contractor Business Classification (as validated in SAM.gov).
- A Capability Statement describing how the company can meet the Government's needs.
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a solicitation, and no award will be made as a result of this notice. NIST will use responses for future solicitation planning and is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.