Sources Sought Notice - Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under its CHIPS Metrology Program, is conducting market research to identify sources for a narrowband mid-infrared laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate. This equipment will be integrated into NIST's photothermal induced resonance (PTIR) setup to enhance advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) metrology for measuring thermal properties of nanoscale materials and characterizing next-generation microelectronics. Key requirements include narrow linewidth, broad wavelength tunability to excite various sample types, short pulse length for efficient photothermal excitation, and moderately high tunable repetition rates to optimize measurement throughput. The sources sought notice was posted on January 15, 2026, with responses due by January 28, 2026, providing potential vendors approximately two weeks to submit their capabilities and product information. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided excerpt, the procurement emphasizes technical specifications that support nanoscale and nanosecond-resolution thermal characterization capabilities.
No set-aside designations have been applied to this procurement opportunity. The notice does not identify any incumbent contractors or current suppliers, as this is preliminary market research to gauge available commercial products and services. The pre-solicitation materials provided do not disclose anticipated award values or budget ranges for this procurement. This is categorized under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and PSC code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies), suggesting the final procurement will likely target specialized scientific equipment manufacturers. As a sources sought notice, this represents an early stage in the procurement process designed to inform potential vendors of NIST's requirements before a formal solicitation is issued.
NIST-SS26-CHIPS-66 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
1/15/26, 8:20 AM Combined Synopsis/Solicitation- Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks quotations for a narrowband mid-infrared laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate, with proposals due June 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. This is an unrestricted RFQ with firm-fixed-price quotations evaluated on lowest price among technically acceptable vendors.
Place of performance is NIST's Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, Building 216. The laser must deliver tunable wavelength between 2.5 to 10.0 micrometers, tunable repetition rate between 100 to 200 kHz, pulse length between 0.1 to 10 nanoseconds, linewidths less than 8 cm⁻¹ (preferably less than 4 cm⁻¹), and wavelength tuning capability of 1 cm⁻¹ steps at 9 cm⁻¹/second minimum (50 cm⁻¹/second preferred). The system must emit average power greater than 5 milliwatts at 200 kHz repetition rate, include a visible alignment laser collinear with the mid-IR output, and feature linear polarization capability. NAICS code 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; PSC 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The contractor must deliver, install, and provide onsite training within six months of order receipt, with installation completed within four weeks of delivery. The system carries a minimum one-year warranty covering parts and labor. All equipment must be new, manufacturer-direct goods in original packaging with complete documentation and software. Payment is 100 percent upon successful installation and specification demonstration. Quotations are organized in three volumes: Technical Quotation, Price Quotation (with firm-fixed prices for three line items including laser system delivery, shipping, and transportation/related expenses), and Terms and Conditions. All quoters must maintain active SAM.gov registration through award and final payment. Pre-quote inquiries must be submitted in writing within three calendar days of solicitation issuance. Prices remain valid for 90 days from the due date.
1333ND26QNB030275 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
6/16/26, 5:16 PM Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the noncompetitive acquisition of a narrowband mid-infrared laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate. This special notice, posted on March 24, 2026, indicates NIST's intention to award a contract without competitive bidding under the authority of FAR 12.102(a). The acquisition falls under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), which has a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. No request for quotation will be issued, and no solicitation document will be released as part of this sole source process. The notice applies to laboratory equipment and supplies (PSC 6640).
The mid-infrared laser is required by NIST's Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD) within the Physical Measurement Laboratory to support the CHIPS Metrology Program, which aims to advance measurement methods for next-generation microelectronics development and maintain U.S. competitiveness. The laser will be utilized to enhance advanced atomic force microscopy metrology capabilities for measuring thermal properties of nanoscale materials. NIST requires one unit of a narrowband, mid-infrared laser capable of emitting collinear light from a single port with wavelengths tunable between 2.5 micrometers and 10.0 micrometers without gaps. The notice was posted on March 24, 2026, with an apparent deadline of April 7, 2026. While this is a sole source acquisition and not an open competition, potential suppliers should monitor the notice for any technical specifications and contact information should they believe they are the only source capable of meeting NIST's requirements.
NB305000-26-00938 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
3/24/26, 11:29 AM Award Notice: Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded contract 1333ND26PNB030103 to LASERSPEC on July 6, 2026, for a narrowband mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate.
The award was made under no set-aside. No award value, period of performance, place of performance, or additional scope details are specified in the notice.
1333ND26PNB030103 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
7/9/26, 2:19 PM Award Notice: Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded contract 1333ND26PNB030103 to LASERSPEC on July 6, 2026, for a narrowband mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate.
No set-aside was used. The award amount is not stated in the notice.
1333ND26PNB030103 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
7/6/26, 3:07 PM