Sources Sought Second Harmonic Generation Microscope
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 for a Second Harmonic Generation Microscope. This is not a request for quotation, but rather a tool to determine eligible firms and the method of acquisition. Responses are due by May 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Microscope for imaging electrically poled domains in thin-film lithium niobate. The system must be a scanning confocal microscope with a pulsed laser source and a second harmonic detector. Key components include:
- Scanning Laser Confocal Microscope: Reflection and SHG modes, near-IR fs-pulsed source, high-sensitivity visible wavelength detectors, suitable for imaging hard, nonlinear optical thin films on oxidized silicon wafers. Must include high magnification objective (>50x, 100x preferred) and control software.
- FS-Pulsed-Class Excitation Laser: Center wavelength ~800 nm (tunable ~200 nm range), pulse width <200 fs, average power >1W, with all necessary operational components.
- Warranty: 1 year full service.
- Installation & Training: Onsite installation and training for 2 trainees at NIST Boulder, CO. A US citizen is required on-site for installation/training.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Set-Aside: Small Business Set-aside opportunities will be considered; NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources (large and small businesses).
- Response Due: May 18, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: May 11, 2026
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO, United States
Submission Requirements
Interested firms should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Lisa Stevens at lisa.stevens@nist.gov. Submissions must include:
- Name of the company providing the product.
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for NIST's market research.
Proprietary information should be clearly marked. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered. No quotes will be accepted at this time.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposals or quotes. The information is DRAFT and subject to change. The Government will not pay for information received. Results will inform future acquisition methods, potentially leading to a small business set-aside if at least two qualified small businesses are identified.