Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System
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, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System. This effort aims to identify sources capable of providing a commercial item solution that meets or exceeds draft minimum specifications. Responses are due by December 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST is seeking information on a comprehensive CW OPO Laser System, which includes:
- A pump laser source.
- Signal laser output and idler laser output.
- Laser system control electronics.
- A wavelength meter.
- Wavelength stabilization controls.
- All necessary optical fibers, electronic cables, switches, connectors, and power supply cables.
Specific performance requirements for each component, including tunable ranges, optical power, linewidth, accuracy, and communication protocols, are detailed in the attached document.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified; respondents are asked to indicate small or other than small business status.
- Response Due: December 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET
- Published: November 20, 2025
- NAICS: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
Submission & Evaluation
Responses should be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact, Forest Crumpler (forest.crumpler@nist.gov). Submissions should be in Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format and should not contain proprietary information.
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations, and no award will be made. Information provided will be used by NIST for any deemed necessary and appropriate purpose.
Additional Information Requested
Respondents should provide:
- Company information, including business size (small/other than small) for NAICS 6640.
- Details about the laboratory equipment sold, indicating if the company is a manufacturer or reseller.
- Performance capabilities of their CW OPO Laser System.
- Identification of any restrictive aspects of the specifications and discussion of customization options.
- Description of available services (installation, training, maintenance).
- Information on standard terms and conditions, facility renovation services, pricing, manufacturing origin, existing contract vehicles, and past customers.