Tunable Laser System with Reference Wavemeter for Wavelength Scanning and Locking
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), Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD), is soliciting quotations for a Tunable Laser System with Reference Wavemeter for wavelength scanning and locking. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under full and open competition, with an anticipated firm-fixed-price purchase order. Electronic quotations are due by May 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose and Scope
NIST requires this tunable laser system to support new capabilities in single-defect spectroscopy and optical control for quantum networking. The contractor shall deliver one (1) new, non-experimental, non-prototype, non-custom tunable laser system with a reference wavemeter. Key technical specifications include a wavelength tuning range of 861 nm ± 10 nm or broader, fiber-coupled output power of ≥ 25 milliwatts, optical linewidth of ≤ 100 kilohertz, mode-hop-free tuning range of ≥ 30 gigahertz, and wavelength measurement resolution of 5 megahertz or better. The system must also be capable of locking the laser source to a user-set fixed wavelength and include necessary electronics and communication ports. Delivery terms are FOB Destination to Gaithersburg, MD, within twenty-six (26) weeks after receipt of order (ARO), with a minimum 1-year warranty.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (anticipated)
- Acquisition Procedures: Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 12)
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), with a 1000-employee small business size standard.
- Place of Performance/Acceptance: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD.
- Warranty: Minimum 1 year after acceptance.
- Payment: Invoices submitted in arrears; no advanced payment authorized.
- SAM.gov Registration: Active registration in SAM.gov is mandatory at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and through final payment.
Submission and Evaluation
- Quotation Submission Deadline: May 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.
- Inquiries Deadline: Written questions must be received by May 4, 2026.
- Submission Method: Electronic quotations and inquiries must be emailed to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov, with a copy to Donald.collie@nist.gov. The RFQ number must be referenced in the subject line.
- Quotation Structure: Submissions must be divided into three volumes:
- Technical Volume: Include technical description, product literature demonstrating compliance with specifications, manufacturer details, country of origin, authorization to sell (if applicable), and confirmation of delivery, installation, training, and warranty capabilities.
- Price Volume: Include solicitation number, point of contact information, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), firm fixed price per line item, aggregate price, and shipping/delivery costs.
- Terms and Conditions Volume: Address any exceptions to the solicitation's terms and conditions.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Technical capability and price are the evaluation factors. The government reserves the right to award without discussions.
- Key Provisions: Bidders must complete the Buy American Certificate (FAR 52.225-2) and adhere to standard commercial item terms (FAR 52.212-4).