26Q0882_SSJA _Redacted.pdf
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- Attached to
- Stable Optical Cavity Absolute Reference System
- Solicitation number
- FA875126P0049
About this file
This is a Determination & Findings (D&F) document for a sole-source contract award justifying the procurement of a Stable Optical Cavity Absolute Reference System from Stable Laser Systems.
Contract Details and Justification: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rapid Fielding Organization (RFO) is pursuing a new Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for the purchase of a Stable Optical Cavity Absolute Reference System. The Government intends to negotiate a sole-source contract with Stable Laser Systems to fulfill this requirement. The justification is based on RFO 13.101(b) (Noncommercial Products and Services), citing that only one source is reasonably available due to exclusive manufacturing and the lack of an active reseller network. Market research confirmed that standard optical suppliers do not offer comparable systems, and one alternate vendor identified produces optical reference cavities operating at wavelengths above 1500 nm, whereas the Government requires simultaneous operation at 493 nm and 650 nm.
Technical Requirements: The procured system comprises five line items: (1) a Cylinder Cavity Assembly with ultra-low glass spacer specifications (50 mm outer diameter × 100 mm length, 1.4-1.6 GHz FSR, drift less than 0.1 MHz/day), mirror pairs with super-polished finishes and specific coatings for dual wavelengths (493 nm and 650 nm); (2) a Vacuum Housing including a Zerodur mounting block, indium and O-ring seals, thermal insulation with heaters and thermistors, and capability to achieve 10⁻⁷ Torr or better pressure; (3) Measurement of Zero Crossing Temperature documentation with frequency versus temperature graphs for optimal cavity operation between dew point and 150°C; (4) a compatible Temperature Controller Unit tuned to the zero-crossing temperature; and (5) an Ion Pump Unit with controller, HV cable, and valve to achieve required vacuum levels. The Contracting Officer is the approval authority for this determination.
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• Finesse: between 750 - 2000
• S2 AR percentage at normal incidence: less than 0.25%
Item 2 - Vacuum Housing for Cylinder Cavity Assembly
- includes Zerodur mounting block with viton balls positioned (with recess).
- Vacuum can with notch for mounting block.
- Indium seal on the back flange and O-ring seal on the front flange.
- Thermal insulation and outer shell with heaters and thermistors.
- 1.33” Conflat tee is provided for coupling to vacuum components positioned on the back flange.
- Windows will be AR coated as in Line #1.
- The cavity is horizontal with equivalent optical access from either end of the vacuum housing.
- Vacuum housing pressure to be at least 10^-7 Torr or less
- Thermistor model to be used: MC65F103BTuning range: 1480 - 1640 nm or wider
Item 3 - Measurement of Zero Crossing Temperature of Notched Cavity Assembly
- A frequency vs temperature graph will be provided for optimal cavity temperature use. Optimal cavity temperature must be above dew point and below 150 C.
Item 4 - Temperature Controller Unit
- Temperature controller must be compatible with system and can tune vacuum housing to the zero-crossing temperature measured in Line #3.
Item 5 - Ion Pump Unit
- Ion pump, controller, HV cable to connect ion pump to ion pump controller, Valve to connect to 1.33” Conflat tee. Must pump system down to 10^-7 Torr or less as described in line #2
Market research yielded that the majority of standard optical suppliers do not offer these types of highly specialized systems. One alternate vendor identified during market research offers optical reference cavities that meet the majority of the above-outlined specifications, but for the operational wavelength. The required operational wavelengths, as stated above, are 493 nm and 650 nm simultaneously, whereas the alternate vendor's optical reference cavity operates at a wavelength above 1500 nm. Considering this, and also considering that Stable Laser Systems indicated that they are the sole manufacturer of the system and do not maintain an active network of resellers, a sole-source award to Stable Laser Systems is contemplated, as aforementioned.
5. Determination: Based on the findings above, the proposed sole source or brand name action is justified under the applicable regulation.
6. Signatory Authority: (Contracting Officer Instruction: In accordance with DAF Approval Authorities Matrix PM 26-C-11 Matrix Item 51 for RFO 13.101(b) actions and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) for FSS orders, the Contracting Officer is the approval authority for these determinations).
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