Single Source Justification Precision Wavemeter_Redacted.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CUI//SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

April 2021 CUI//SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE Page 2 of 3

- Measurement rate at least 4 Hz

- Rb stabilized single frequency HeNe laser to continuously calibrate wavemeter

- External computer control and readout via USB with GUI interface software included

- PID stabilization outputs, to stabilize 8 external lasers

- PID stabilization software

- CCD lineshape detectors, for very low light input requirement

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

In our search for a suitable laser wavemeter, Toptica is the only company capable of manufacturing a device that meets our required level of absolute accuracy. The wavemeters produced by Bristol, Moglabs, and Exfo do not meeting the absolute accuracy and therefore do not meet the governments need.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

After examination, of various laser and photonics buyers' guides, such as:

Photonic Marketplace www.photonics.com Novus Buyer's Guide novusbuyersguide.com Laser Focus World Buyer's Guide laserfocusworld.com/directory

Only a few companies that produce wave-meters, but none (except Toptica) of those companies produce the type of wave-meter that USAFA requires, that is, which has the required absolute accuracy of 2 MHz, nor do any of them come close. The best accuracy wave-meters from other vendors are more than 30 times less accurate.

The Physics department attended the Atomic Physics and Laser Spectroscopy Conferences and examined the offerings of the laser wave-meter vendors at those conferences.

Additional research was made:

Burleigh Instruments (division of EXFO): In 2012, EXFO announced that it was closing the Burleigh Instruments division and discontinuing the production of its products.

Moglabs offers a wavemeter that has a competitive price and is somewhat close to meeting our specifications, however, it falls short in terms of accuracy. The Moglabs wavemeter has an absolute accuracy of 600 MHz, which is significantly lower than the required 2 MHz accuracy for our application. This means that the Moglabs wavemeter is essentially 300 times less accurate than the Toptica wavemeter. Despite its lower price, the Moglabs wavemeter does not meet our specific needs for accuracy.

Bristol Instruments offers a wavemeter that is priced competitively and is close to meeting our requirements, but it falls short in terms of accuracy. The Bristol wavemeter has an absolute accuracy of 60 MHz, which is not sufficient for our specific application that requires an accuracy of 2 MHz. This means that the Bristol wavemeter is essentially 30 times less accurate than the Toptica wavemeter. Despite its good price, the Bristol wavemeter does not meet our specific needs for accuracy.

The research team has attended numerous atomic physics and laser spectroscopy conferences and has thoroughly examined the offerings of the laser wavemeter vendors at those conferences.

Exfo has information about a wavemeter WA-5900 that might come close to meetingour needs, but it is "discontinued." Exfo has a wavemeter model 650 that has a much worse accuracy, about 4000 MHz, which is not nearly accurate enough for our needs.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

CUI//SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

April 2021 CUI// Page 3 of 3

Newport has information about a wavemeter, but it only has a wavelength range of 700 - 1650 nm, and so does not cover the visible light range of wavelengths < 700 nm that we require. This Newport wavemeter is "no longer offered for sale."

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

Further market research will be conducted to identify any new technologies or potential future resources.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

18-Jul-2024

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Kristin Heikkila, NH03, Contracting Officer

Signature of Contracting Officer

HEIKKILA.KRISTIN.A.115422

Digitally signed by

HEIKKILA.KRISTIN.A.1154229961

Date: 2024.07.18 14:54:59 -06'00'