Ultrastable Optical Reference Cavity 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 conducting a Sources Sought for an Ultrastable Optical Reference Cavity System for 1396nm. This is a market research effort to identify potential and eligible business firms, including manufacturers in the U.S., and to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist prior to a formal solicitation. Responses are due by May 29, 2025.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks a 1396 nm optical frequency reference cavity system (Quantity: 1) with specific performance requirements. Key specifications include:
- Thermal noise fractional frequency stability: 6x10^(-16), enabling a stabilized laser linewidth less than 1 Hz.
- Finesse: 200,000 to 400,000 at 1396 nm (primary) and 1,000 to 20,000 at 689 nm (secondary).
- Optical Coatings: Anti-reflection (AR) coating with less than 0.1% reflection at both primary and secondary wavelengths.
- Environmental: Accommodate laboratory temperature of 24 deg C, with temperature control at cavity inside shielding less than 1 mK/day.
- Hardware: Vacuum housing with invar mounting block, viton balls for low vibration, heaters, thermistors, ion pump, cable, controller, and vacuum valve.
- Performance Metrics: Modified Allan deviation at 1550 nm of 6x10^(-16) at 1 second averaging time, less than 15 kHz/day at 1550 nm equivalent near zero crossing, and less than 1x10^(-10)/g fractional acceleration sensitivity.
Service requirements include vendor-detailed installation, training, and maintenance plans. A base manufacturer warranty of 12 months and 3000 hours of operation is acceptable. Delivery, installation, and training must be completed no later than 20 Weeks ARO.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Set-Aside: All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified, the acquisition may be set aside. NIST encourages responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: May 29, 2025, 11:00 PM ET
- Published: May 19, 2026 (Note: This date is in the future relative to the response due date.)
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov. Submissions must include:
- Name of the company providing and manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation or Proposal and does not commit the Government to an award. No quotes will be accepted. The Government will not pay for information received. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.