Sources Sought - Narrow Linewidth 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 potential vendors capable of providing a Narrow Linewidth Laser. This effort aims to determine eligible business firms prior to a formal acquisition method. Responses are due June 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a Narrow Linewidth Laser with specific technical specifications:
- Item: Narrow Linewidth Laser (Quantity: 1 EACH)
- Operating Wavelength: 1550.00 nm (vacuum)
- Optical Output Power: 20 mW minimum
- Laser Linewidth: <1 Hz class
- Operating Mode: Single-frequency, single-mode CW operation
- Frequency Tuning Range: 10 GHz thermal tuning range
- External Modulation Bandwidth: DC to 100 kHz
- Architecture: Low residual amplitude modulation (Low-RAM)
- Requirements: Must be new, with full manufacturer's warranty and U.S.-based service.
- Vendor Requirements: Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov.
- Warranty: 1-Year Base Manufacturer Warranty acceptable.
- Calibration & Maintenance: Plan length up to 3 years, including labor, travel, software updates, manuals, and spare parts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Set-Aside: All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered; responses sought from all responsible sources (large and small businesses). Potential for a Small Business Set-aside if at least two qualified small businesses are identified.
- Response Due: June 24, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: June 12, 2026, 2:43 PM ET
- Place of Performance: NIST-Boulder, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements (limited to five pages) including:
- Company Profile (employees, locations, UEI, CAGE Code).
- Name of company providing the product.
- Manufacturer name and country of origin.
- Specification sheets and product examples meeting requirements.
- Typical lead time (delivery, installation, training).
- Identification and verification of small business status.
- Any other relevant information for requirement development.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to an award. No solicitation is currently available. The Government will not pay for information received. This market research will inform the method of acquisition and potential future solicitation. Primary Point of Contact: Daniel Kent, daniel.kent@nist.gov, 303-497-6533.