Solicitation for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

NIST seeks to procure a Continuous Wave (CW) Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) Laser System to perform ultrasensitive cavity ring-down and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy on gas-phase samples. The goal is to detect trace impurities in specialty-grade semiconductor and electronics gases at the part-per-trillion level and below, enabling next-generation diagnostics and driving the development of industry-ready reference materials and tooling.

• Procure a CW OPO Laser System capable of high-resolution laser spectroscopy.

• The system must be able to detect trace impurities in gas-phase samples relevant to the semiconductor industry (e.g., N2 and Ar).

• The system should operate at wavelengths throughout the near- and mid-infrared regions.

• The system will be used to create measurement technology and reference data for trace impurity gas analysis.

• Detect trace impurities at sub-parts-per-billion (<1 ppb) levels.

• Achieve measurement technology and reference data for trace impurity gas analysis at new levels of precision.

• Establish a framework for impurity fingerprinting with traceability to new gas primary standards, reference materials, and documentary standards.

• Period of Performance: No later than 24 weeks from the date of award.

• Place of Delivery: NIST Gaithersburg.

• Place of Performance: Contractor's.

• All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or "gray market" components are not acceptable.

• The system must include a pump laser source, signal laser output, idler laser output, laser system control electronics, wavelength meter, and wavelength stabilization controls.

• Specific technical specifications are detailed for pump laser, signal laser, idler laser, control electronics, wavelength meter, and stabilization controls.

• Cybersecurity requirements consistent with applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and standards (e.g., FISMA, OMB Circular A-130, FIPS Publication 200) must be met.

• Delivery terms are F.O.B Destination.

• Inspection and acceptance will occur within 15 working days of receipt, with NIST reserving the right to perform performance tests.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, specifically for a CHIPS R&D Continuous Wave Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) laser. This announcement serves as the only solicitation, and no written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is being solicited as an unrestricted competition.

• CLIN 0001: Continuous Wave OPO Laser, as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• CLIN 0002: Transportation and Other related expenses (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• Offerors must provide a firm-fixed-price quotation.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• Period of performance and estimated value are not explicitly stated but will be detailed in the Statement of Work.

• Quotation Due Date: April 12, 2026, by 11:00 am Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic via email to forest.crumpler@nist.gov and donald.trump@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and divided into four volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating technical approach, capability, and compliance with SOW requirements).
  • Volume II: Demonstrated Experience (up to three relevant contracts/projects).
  • Volume III: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price, including shipping and tariffs).
  • Volume IV: Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value, considering non-priced factors as significantly more important than price. Evaluation factors include Technical Capability, Experience, and Price.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• SAM Registration: Offerors must possess an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and through award.

• Pre-quote inquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 5 calendar days after the solicitation issuance date.

• Offerors must identify any foreign-manufactured products and associated charges (CLIN 0002).

• The provision FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors) and FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation) apply.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Clauses.pdf," contains various provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation or contract. It serves to inform potential bidders of the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the resulting contract.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998): States that solicitation provisions are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998): Similar to provisions, this section indicates that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and provides access links.
• Authorized Deviations: Explains how authorized deviations in provisions and clauses are indicated.
• List of Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: A comprehensive list of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and agency-specific clauses and provisions that are incorporated by reference. This includes clauses related to:
  • Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales
  • Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights
  • Payments to Influence Federal Transactions
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • System for Award Management (SAM)
  • Reporting Requirements
  • Representations and Certifications
  • Government Supply Sources
  • Inverted Domestic Corporations
  • Responsibility Matters
  • Delinquent Tax Liability
  • Instructions to Offerors for Commercial Products/Services
  • Small Business Concerns
  • Convict Labor, Child Labor
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Employment Reports on Veterans
  • Notification of Employee Rights
  • Combating Trafficking in Persons
  • Sustainable Products and Services
  • Trade Agreements
  • Drug-Free Workplace
  • Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving
  • Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer
  • Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations
  • Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors
  • Protest After Award
  • Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim
  • Contracting Officer Authority
  • Compliance With The Laws
  • Organizational Conflict Of Interest
• FAR 52.212-4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEVIATION DATE): Details terms and conditions including definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoice requirements, patent indemnity, payment terms, risk of loss, taxes, termination for convenience and cause, title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with unique government contract laws, order of precedence, and unauthorized obligations.
• Trade Agreements Certificate (DEVIATION JAN 2026): Requires offerors to certify that end products are U.S.-made or designated country end products.
• Place of Manufacture (DEVIATION JAN 2026): Requires offerors to indicate the predominant place of manufacture for end products.
• Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (DEVIATION JAN 2026): Addresses business operations in Sudan, sensitive technology, covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, and Iran representation and certifications.
• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (APR 2010): Designates the COR and outlines their responsibilities and limitations.
• Agency Protests (APR 2010): Provides information on filing agency protests.
• GAO AND COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS PROTESTS (APR 2010): Outlines procedures for filing protests with the GAO or Court of Federal Claims.
• Place of Acceptance (APR 2010): Specifies the location for acceptance of supplies and services.
• NIST LOCAL-53 CONTRACT PERFORMANCE DURING CHANGES IN NIST OPERATING STATUS: Provides guidance for contractors regarding NIST campus operating status and access.
• NIST LOCAL-54 ELECTRONIC BILLING INSTRUCTIONS: Details electronic invoice/voucher submission requirements.
• NIST LOCAL-56 INVOICING PROCESSING PLATFORM-ALTERNATE I (DEC 2022): Outlines the use of the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for payment requests.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines many of the fundamental terms, conditions, and compliance requirements that will apply to any contract awarded from this solicitation. Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations, potential risks, and the specific requirements for proposal submission, contract performance, and payment. Particular attention should be paid to clauses related to trade agreements, place of manufacture, security, and invoicing, as these can significantly impact offer preparation and contract execution.