Amendment_2_-_1333ND19QNB680439_-_Solicitation_Questions_and_Answers.docx

1- Will an award be made for quantity one (1) of each line item to a single vendor or would two awards be made, one for CLIN0001 and one for CLIN0002. We understand there is the possibility of a small quantity discount with 2 systems.

Answer to Question 1: The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, in the event that doing so would be in the best interests of the Government. Quantity discounts are encouraged.

2- With respect to CLIN0001 point 9 Laser component for access to 345 nm to 465 nm range must use a single set of optics and have conversion efficiency of >35% for 2 W of fundamental power. This elaborates on the same 345-465 nm tuning range as part of point 3.

The first question is:

A- The tuning range of the optics set may span that range or greater; however the second harmonic generation crystals are very limited in tuning range. At shorter wavelengths, the crystals may only cover 18 nm at the 50% [half-maximum] points of the tuning curve while at closer to 450 nm; they may cover 35-40 nm. Therefore it may take 4 to 6 crystals to cover 120 nm of the requested range overlapping at the 50% [half-maximum] points. The single crystal price is not insignificant.

We would appreciate guidance as to whether we should include all crystals for the range or if there are key wavelengths required at this time, which would mean one or fewer crystals. Additional crystals can be procured and changed out at a later date.

Answer to Question 2a: The system will not meet specification if the desired conversion efficiency at any wavelength within the range specified in the solicitation is not achieved. This automatically requires that all the crystals to cover the desired tuning range must be included with the system. The government does not intend to purchase additional crystals at a later time.

B- Continuing on the same point 9; and have conversion efficiency of >35% for 2 W of fundamental power. No vendor shows a 35% level on their official data sheets, checked today at 9 AM. There is reference to this number in a technical note, but this is not a specification on any data sheet. This sentence has been in numerous bids for the past 18 months and if consistently achieved over a reasonable time, would be reflected on a data sheet. We are not looking to create a data sheet discussion, instead….

We ask that a required minimum power level in milliWatts be noted in place of this phrase. For example. We require 800 mW at ggg nm and 630 mW at hhh nm (etc.) or 700 mW from yyy nm to zzz nm. We are able to provide high levels of second harmonic light with a little more pump power while not impacting the footprint or utility requirements of our proposed system.

Answer to Question 2b: Specification 4 (Laser output power shall be at least 2 W over the range from 685 nm to 930 nm) together with specification 9 (Laser component for access to 345 nm to 465 nm range must use a single set of optics and have conversion efficiency of >35% for 2 W of fundamental power) clearly specifies the required minimum power levels at each wavelength in the entire tuning range. Since the minimum power levels are typically at the edge of the tuning curve, the corresponding value for 2W power at 685 nm would be 35% of it (700 mW), and for 2W at 930 nm would also be 700 mW. This is equivalent to modifying specification 9 to - “Laser component for access to 345 nm to 465 nm range must use a single set of optics and the laser output power shall be at least 700 mW over the range from 345 nm to 465 nm.” So if the vendor so desires, the specification can be changed from % to mW or both, but I do not see the point of it.

3- CLIN0002 point 9 Integrated wavemeter: The system shall come equipped with a wavelength meter that can cover at least the 450 nm to 1000 nm range, provide absolute accuracy of 600 MHz or better, and allow measurement speeds of 100 Hz or more (e.g., High Finesse WS6-600 or equivalent).

This is a procured item that is passed through, for example, the High Finesse WS-6-600.

NIST would save a significant level of funds were it purchased separately. We can provide the correct coupling for it and our software is developed to work with it.

Would the government consider amending this line to provide a coupling for a High Finesse WS-6-600 or other designated Wavemeter?

Answer to Question 3: This modification is not acceptable. The government does not intend to do another separate solicitation to purchase a compatible wavelength meter. More importantly it will add significant delay to various time-sensitive projects currently underway that are already in desperate need of the laser.