Picoquant Picosecond Pulsed Diode Laser
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) has issued a Special Notice combining a Sources Sought Notice and a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for two Picoquant Picosecond Pulsed Diode Laser Systems. NIST requires these systems for the DARPA Quantum-Augmented Network (QuANET) phase 2 integration event and to ensure continuity of science, requiring full compatibility with existing Picoquant equipment. The government intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis with Picoquant Photonics North America, Inc. if no other capable sources are identified. Responses from interested parties are due by May 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Scope
NIST seeks to acquire two (2) new Picoquant Pulsed-Diode Laser Systems. These lasers will be used to characterize optical fiber links and integrated into a moveable rack-mounted light source capability for NIST's research in quantum network component and protocol testing. Key technical requirements for the 1550 nm pulsed laser diode (Picoquant CPDL-S-F-1550) include:
- Center wavelength of 1550 ± 3 nm.
- Spectral width less than 1 nm.
- Picosecond pulse width less than 100 ps.
- FC/APC fiber coupled output. Seamless interoperability with existing Picoquant equipment and Python library is essential. Used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, custom items, or "gray market" components are not acceptable.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order (intended).
- Delivery: FOB Destination, within eight (8) weeks after contractor receipt of order.
- Delivery Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Shipping and Receiving, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
- Warranty: One year, in accordance with commercial terms and FAR 52.212-4.
- Payment: 100% after receipt, acceptance, and completion of testing procedures (Net 30-day). Advance payments or partial shipments/invoices are not authorized.
Submission Requirements
This is NOT a request for quotation or a solicitation. Responses will not be considered proposals. Interested parties must submit written responses identifying their capability by May 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Responses must be emailed to: Jennifer Lohmeier at Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov. Required Business Information:
- Contractor Name, Address
- Point of Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email address
- Contractor UEI
- Contractor Business Classification (validated in SAM.gov)
- Capability Statement
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- NAICS: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
- Registration: All offerors must have an active registration in www.SAM.gov.
- Set-Aside: None (Intent to Sole Source to Picoquant Photonics North America, Inc. if no alternate sources are identified).
Additional Notes
The information received will be used to inform future solicitations. NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents. NIST reserves the right to use provided information as deemed necessary.