Sources Sought - Dual Frequency Comb 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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify vendors capable of providing a Dual Frequency Comb Laser. This effort aims to determine potential small business set-aside opportunities and the overall method of acquisition for this specialized laboratory equipment. Responses are due by June 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a dual optical frequency comb system for electro-optic sampling and characterization of radio-frequency and sub-terahertz electrical waveforms, with measurement capability extending toward 1 THz. The specific requirement is for one (1) 1550 nm Dual Frequency Comb Laser with detailed technical specifications including:
- 250 MHz repetition-rate femtosecond fiber laser with factory-set repetition-rate matching (<1 kHz).
- Center wavelength tunable within 1545–1570 nm (target 1555 nm).
- Fiber-coupled output power between 30–50 mW with PM FC/APC output and PER >20 dB.
- Frequency-comb-optimized configuration with free-running timing jitter below 20 fs.
- Integrated fast/fine piezo actuator (>20 kHz tuning bandwidth) and independent coarse piezo actuator (>6 kHz tuning range).
- Internal RF photodiode output with AC-coupled SMA connector and a dedicated optical monitor output port (>2 mW).
- Low-noise ALM05 filtered power supply and a hermetically sealed, passively air-cooled compact laser enclosure. The equipment must be new, not refurbished, and include a full manufacturer's warranty with U.S.-based service. Shipping is required to NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Potential Small Business Set-Aside (all categories considered). NIST will set aside if at least two qualified small businesses are identified.
- NAICS: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Response Due: June 17, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: June 5, 2026
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO.
Submission Requirements
Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirement should submit electronic capability statements, limited to five (5) pages, including:
- Company Profile (number of employees, office location(s), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, and CAGE Code).
- Name of company that will provide the product.
- Name of company that will manufacture and country of origin of the product.
- Specification sheets and examples of products that meet the attached specifications.
- Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of award, including installation time and any necessary training.
- Identification and verification of the company’s small business status.
- Any other relevant information for requirement development. Vendor requirements include possessing an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active UEI on SAM.gov at the time of award. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered.
Additional Notes
This is a market research tool and not a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The Government is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information received.