19r76_JnA_Redacted.pdf

Provided with control computer and software which allows for hands-free and remote operation

B. ORS-Cubic Optical Reference System ( ): This is an ultrastable laser system based on a continuous wavelength laser locked to an ultrastable high-finesse optical reference cavity. The source is designed to work in conjunction with the FC1500-250-ULN as a locking reference for the frequency comb.

Key Features

Center wavelength at 1542.14 nm Cubic cavity composed of ultra-low expansion spacer and high-finesse mirrors Cavity finesse in excess of 250000 Mode-hop free with >10mW output power and linewidth less than 1Hz Transportable without need to readjust the beam coupling to cavity Fully fiber coupled Integrated ion getter to maintain vacuum pressure allowing for 24hr/7d operation

C. Vacuum Pump for ORS: Pfeiffer HiCube 80 Eco Pump System ( ): This is support equipment for the ORS-Cubic. In the event of power loss and loss of vacuum, Pfeiffer HiCube is capable of getting the ORS-Cubic down to operating pressure necessary for the integrated ion getter to maintain its vacuum.

D. BDU-FF Fiber-coupled Beat Detection Unit ( ): This unit is necessary for locking the FC1500-ULN and ORS-Cubic so that the frequency stability of less than 1Hz that the ORS-Cubic provides will be inherited by the FC1500-ULN in its comb lines. This device is fully fiber coupled and provides a locking signal with an SNR in excess of 30dB.

E. BDU-FG Fiber-coupled Beat Detection Unit ( ): The BDU-FG Fiber-coupled Beat Detection Unit works in collaboration with the FC1500-ULN and LLE-SYNCRO (below) in order to lock external lasers to the frequency comb. The BDU-FG is fiber-coupled and uses an external grating in order to combine an external laser within the range of 20nm of a center wavelength of 1550nm. The BDU-FG has a high-speed photodiode in order to provide a clean signal to the locking electronics LLE-SYNCRO (below). We require that current equipment (Keysight 81606A) can be locked to the frequency comb within the stability of the comb (i.e. sub Hz with the comb stabilized to ORS-Cubic). There are two BDU-FG and two LLE-SYNCRO listed in the procurement because we have two existing Keysight 81606A lasers which will be required to lock to the FC1500-ULN.:

F. LLE-SYNCRO Locking Electronics ( ): The LLE-SYNCRO is locking electronics which contain a PID loop amplifier with proportional bandwidth exceeding 1MHz. It has an output range of +- 10V compatible with our existing equipment (Keysight 81606A) in addition to an AOM module which allows for locking of our equipment (i.e. Keysight 81606A) to less than 1Hz uncertainty (within the uncertainty of the OSR.

Contains ability to control with a PC (ie through USB).

G. WLM-NIR Wavelength Meter ( ): The WLM-NIR wavelength meter is integrated within the FC1500-ULN frequency comb system. It has an absolute accuracy of 100MHz and a measurement range of 900- 1700nm in addition to a 1532nm calibration laser. It provides automated capacity to characterize wavelength precision of the FC1500-ULN and accompanying systems.

H. IUID Labeling for all Equipment components ( ): These labels are necessary for internal tracking. Included to ensure item accountability and accuracy of total cost.

I. Shipping of Equipment to Destination ( ): Inclusion of shipping cost in quote to ensure accuracy of total delivery cost to destination.

Estimated value of this procurement after Shipping:

IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will stratify agency requirements.

V. DEMONSTRATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE

ACQUISITION REQUIRES THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE (APPLICABILITY OF

AUTHORITY)

This equipment system provided by Menlo Systems is unique among competing frequency comb suppliers. They are the only company which has demonstrated optical purity transfers on the mHz level. They have installed hundreds of frequency combs in the last 18 years and have far reaching technical expertise across academia, scientific and industrial applications. These instruments bring homogenized control necessary for laboratory integration and automation. The extremely high bandwidth locking components of their laser and control boxes enables sub-Hz locking without compromising on performance (such as other techniques which are unable to tune the frequency carrier offset or require parts that will degrade). The unique repetition rate of their laser system provides a middle ground for ability to generate pure signals in the RF band while also being far enough apart to be discriminated by optical means. Their fiber based laser design operates in the wavelength range of interest (centered around 1550nm) and provides a turn-key high uptime system with enough fiber coupled outputs (8) to lock several more lasers (5) to the system (a future goal for this purchase). They have US citizens who are trained to install and train others on-site.

VI. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE SOLICITED FROM AS

MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS DEEMED PRACTICABLE

A Notice of Proposed Contract Action was synopsized as a Pre-solicitation Notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website from 07 – 22 August 2019. A response was received from TOPTICA claiming to meet the required functions and capabilities. The end-user evaluated the reply and found it partially met the salient characteristics. Most notably, TOPTICA’s offer was not turn-key and homogenized in its components and would require additional refinement and development before becoming fully and thoroughly commissioned and incorporated into the mission. After reviewing information provided, TOPTICA provided no reason or concrete evidence indicating that they had successfully deployed a system which met required specifications. TOPTICA did not adequately prove ability to meet or exceed requirements with a commercial, off-the-shelf solution. Based on findings to date, Menlo represents the only acceptable solution to requirements.

VII. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST TO THE

GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE

The Contracting Officer anticipates the cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable based on FAR 13.106-3(a) (2)(i), market research, 13.106-3(a)(2)(iii), comparison to current price lists, and 15.404-1(b)(2)(vii) other than certified cost or pricing data.

VIII. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS, OR A

STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED

Market Research on the FC1500-ULN and supporting hardware was conducted by the end user via open literature searches in addition to conversations with colleagues and experts on these types of systems. Research confirmed the government’s determination that no other known manufacturers or products exist that can fulfill this requirement.

IX. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

None.

X. LIST OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION

Menlo Systems Inc.

XI. A STATEMENT OF THE ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR

OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE MAKING SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITIONS

FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED

The laboratory lead will continue to research the performance and technical capabilities of similar products against each of their future requirements to avoid omitting other qualified sources. The market will be monitored for future availability of additional providers.

XII. TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL’S CERTIFICATION

As evidenced by their signatures on the Coordination and Approval Document, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete.