Sources Sought Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Dual Optical Frequency Comb 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) has issued a combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Dual Optical Frequency Comb System. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to X3 Optics LLC under FAR 12.102(a) if no other capable sources are identified. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 334516. Responses are due by June 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a dual optical frequency comb system meeting or exceeding the following minimum specifications:
- Comb Architecture: Two optical frequency combs with 50 MHz repetition rate (or less) each, and a controllable difference in repetition rates (0 to 10 kHz tuning).
- Spectral Coverage and Power: Center wavelength at 1550 nm, >30 nm bandwidth, and average optical power of 10 mW (or more).
- Carrier Offset Frequency: Integrated detection with >30 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a locked carrier envelope offset frequency with <350 mrad integrated phase noise.
- Repetition Rate Feedback: Both fast (>100 kHz) and slow (>10 Hz) feedback.
- Optical or RF Lock: Option to lock a comb line to an optical reference CW laser at 1550 nm, and an outputting repetition rate beat note for direct locking to an RF reference.
- Interface: Digital control interface for phase locking the two degrees of freedom of each comb.
- Output: Optical outputs terminated with polarization maintaining fiber with FC/APC connector.
- Operation: Operates using 100-230 VAC, 1 phase, 50-60 Hz.
- Programmability: Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C, with vendor-supplied scripts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Intended Sole Source: X3 Optics LLC (1880 S Flatiron Ct, Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a) - only one reasonably found source
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Response Due: June 18, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: June 4, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties capable of meeting these requirements should submit the following information:
- Company name, address, contact information (name, email, phone), and UEI (if SAM.gov registered).
- Details of capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's minimum requirements.
- Confirmation of authorized reseller status and evidence of authorization.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for encouraging small business participation.
- Company size status (small business or other than small business) for NAICS 334516.
- Alternative NAICS code suggestions, if applicable.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other contract numbers for relevant products/services.
- Firm's experience (prime, sub, consultant) providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information for market research.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation or a commitment to award a contract. NIST will not pay for any costs incurred by respondents. Questions regarding this notice must be submitted via email to the primary and secondary points of contact by June 18, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.