Two Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) for Quantum Networking Metrology
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 Notice of Intent to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to Quantum Opus, LLC for Two Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) for Quantum Networking Metrology. This is not a request for quotation, but interested parties may submit capabilities. Responses are due by June 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires two SNSPDs to detect 795 nm photons from a Rubidium vapor source, enabling entanglement swapping demonstrations in the Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network Research Consortium (DC-Qnet). The SNSPDs must be manufactured by Quantum Opus and installed into existing Quantum Opus 2.2 K moveable cryostats. Technical specifications include:
- Operation and plateau at 2.2 K
- System detection efficiency of at least 90% at 780 nm
- Dark count rates less than 100/sec
- Fiber coupled 780HP fiber with E2000 connector
- Timing jitter less than 20 ps FWHM
- Compatibility with existing Quantum Opus cryostats, which will be upgraded with the latest biasing and amplification electronics.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent (for a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order)
- Authority: FAR 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901 (sole source)
- NAICS: 334419 – Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (750 employee size standard)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: May 28, 2026
- Delivery: Within six (6) weeks after receipt of order.
Sole Source Determination
NIST's sole source determination is based on the need for continuity of science and compatibility with existing Quantum Opus equipment and previous research results. These SNSPDs are critical for furthering quantum networking measurement capabilities with DC-Qnet and other collaborations, ensuring continuous single-photon detection operations.
Information for Interested Parties
This is NOT a solicitation. Parties believing they can meet these requirements must submit a written response via email to Hunter Tjugum (Hunter.Tjugum@nist.gov) by the deadline. Responses must include contractor name, address, point of contact, UEI, business classification (as validated in SAM.gov), and a capability statement.