Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Axiom Optics for Supercontinuum 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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Supercontinuum Laser. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Axiom Optics if no other capable sources are identified. Responses are due by March 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one supercontinuum laser meeting specific minimum specifications:
- Wavelength Range: Continuous output from 550 nm to 2500 nm.
- Spectral Power Density: 0.5 mW/nm or greater (550-2400 nm), and 0.1 mW/nm or greater (2400-2500 nm).
- Total Integrated Power: Greater than 4.5 W.
- Repetition Rate (if pulsed): Equal to or greater than 1 MHz.
- Output: From an optical fiber (length ≥ 0.5 m) terminated with a reflective collimator.
- Collimator Output: Single mode Gaussian at all operating wavelengths.
- Stability: Nominal stability of +/- 1% or smaller.
- Operation: Remote operation via USB, Ethernet, or GPIB; operates on 120V.
- Included: All necessary power supplies, cables, adapters, and a user manual.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Intended Sole Source: Axiom Optics (1035 Cambridge St. Suite 19 Cambridge, MA 02141)
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: March 17, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: March 12, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties must submit responses via email to the Primary and Secondary Points of Contact. Responses should be in Microsoft Word 365, Excel 365, or PDF format and include:
- Company name, address, contact information (name, email, phone), and UEI.
- Details of capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's minimum requirements.
- Confirmation of authorized reseller status, if applicable.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for encouraging small business participation.
- Company size status (small or other than small business) for NAICS 334516.
- Alternative NAICS codes, if applicable.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule contract numbers or other relevant contracts.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information for market research.
Important Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered proposals, and NIST will not reimburse costs incurred by respondents. Information provided may be used for market research purposes.