Tunable Low-noise Short Wavelength Visible Coherent Light Source 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 soliciting proposals for a Tunable Low-noise Short Wavelength Visible Coherent Light Source System. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ 1333ND26QNB680277). The system is required by NIST's Quantum Measurement Division (QMD) in Gaithersburg, MD, to support fundamental measurement standards. Quotations are due by June 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a frequency-doubled fiber amplifier to generate coherent 780 nm light for integration into primary acoustic measurement systems. The system must be new, non-experimental, and non-prototype, consisting of items authorized for sale in the U.S. Key technical requirements include:
- Output Power: 200 mW or higher of 780 nm light.
- Input Power: 10 mW or less of 1550 nm light (input wavelength 1560 nm +/- 2 nm).
- Output Linewidth: 10 MHz or lower.
- Output Polarization: Linear with Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER) 17 or higher.
- Stability: 1% or lower rms variation over 1 hour.
- Form Factor: Single unit, fitting in a standard 19” rack or smaller.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- Period of Performance/Delivery: Sixteen (16) weeks after receipt of order (ARO) to NIST Gaithersburg, MD.
- Warranty: One (1) year after acceptance.
- Payment: 100% upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice, Net 30 days.
- Quotation Due: June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
- Published Date: June 15, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit electronic quotations via email to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov, referencing the RFQ number. Quotations must be clearly written and divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions (exceptions). Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quotation represents the best value to the Government, considering both technical capability and price. The Government may award without discussions. Active registration in SAM.gov is mandatory at the time of submission, award, performance, and final payment.
Additional Notes
Bidders must carefully review Attachment 2 - Clauses, which incorporates numerous FAR and agency-specific provisions and clauses, including those related to trade agreements, security prohibitions, and payment terms. Pre-quote inquiries must be submitted in writing to the specified email addresses no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.