DnF for OTFOC-Novacene-3_Redacted.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- W911QX26QA192
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Summary: Determination & Findings for Other Than Full & Open Competition
This is a Determination & Findings (D&F) document justifying a sole-source procurement by the Army Research Laboratory under 41 USC 1901(e).
The Army Research Directorate at the Army Research Laboratory seeks to procure one 532-nanometer, 18-watt, low-noise, single-frequency, continuous-wave pump laser from Novacene Photonics Limited, located in Glasgow, UK. The procurement includes a variable pick-off module, integration kit, and onsite engineer visit for integration with existing laser modules. The estimated total contract value is redacted. The Contracting Officer determined on July 30, 2026, that the anticipated cost is fair and reasonable and that approval serves the government's best interest.
The justification for sole-source contracting is based on the "Only One Responsible Source" criterion under 41 USC 1901(e) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). Market research determined that Novacene Photonics Limited is the sole company capable of meeting minimum requirements because the Novacene Equinox laser is a direct replacement for the existing Sprout-G12W pump laser paired with an M-squared Solstice Titanium-Sapphire laser system. The laser must maintain specific dimensional requirements, beam path specifications, and optical characteristics to function with the existing government-owned equipment. Novacene is the sole authorized service provider for legacy M-squared laser systems and acquired the intellectual property and assets of M-squared, including the Equinox. No substitutes exist that maintain full system compatibility while preserving the capability to add a 532-nanometer variable pump pick-off module for optical and near-ultraviolet wavelength applications.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Combination Synopsis-Solicitation for Commercial Purchases.docx | DOCX document | |
| Adelphi Special Instructions and Information Full-Text Attachment_26QA192.doc | DOC document |
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Novacene Photonics acquired the intellectual property and partial assets of M-squared, including the Equinox 532nm pump laser. The Equinox was developed by M-squared as an improved alternative to the Lighthouse Photonics Sprout 532 pump laser. This will allow us to continue using the existing Solstice Titanium (Ti):Sapphire laser system, add a pick-off for 532 light and realign the modules for the optical (EMM-1950) and near ultraviolet (ECD-X) wavelengths instead of purchasing new systems.
Although there are multiple companies in the commercial marketplace that provide a 532nm pump-laser, only one company can provide a direct replacement to the existing Sprout pump while maintaining full capabilities of the existing government-owned M-squared Ti:Sapphire laser system. This option also adds a 532 nm variable pump pick-off capability. The Novacene Equinox is a direct replacement for an existing Sprout-G- 12W that pumps an M-squared Solstice Ti:Sapphire laser. It has a required dimension to fit with the M-squared laser and steers the pump beam from the pump to the Solstice laser head via a sealed beam path and matches the pump beam height, pump beam optics, and a manually adjustable pump beam x, y steering mirror to optimize pump beam alignment. Alignment must be conducted by someone who is knowledgeable about the Solstice laser system to prevent safety hazards and damage to the system.
Novacene is the sole authorized service provider for legacy M Squared laser systems.
Therefore, the only other laser available that is compatible is the Novacene Equinox and no substitutes exist.
Market research determined that Novacene Photonics Limited is the only company capable of meeting the Government’s minimum requirements of one (1) replacement 532-nanometer (nm) pump laser for an existing government owned m-squared laser with pick-off, and alignment to the existing system.
___ Proprietary: A patent, copyright, or proprietary data limits competition. The proprietary data are described as follows:
___ Experimental Continuity: The item(s) must be consistent with prior materials in order to ensure experimental continuity. Describe the conditions that necessitate the use of experimental continuity:
___ Warranty: Purchasing item(s) from another manufacturer/provider would void existing warranty. Provide a brief explanation for the use of this reason and the impact that would occur if the item was purchased from another manufacturer/provider:
___ Direct Replacement: These are “direct replacement” parts/components for existing equipment and no substitutes exist.
___ Other reasoning to support a sole-source buy:
6. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:
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