SSJA_26P40_Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings document for a sole source contract award by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Acquisition Management (RFZO).

The contracting action is for a new Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to procure high-performance telecom laser systems supporting quantum networking research objectives. The required items are Continuously Tunable Laser (CTL) units, specifically the DLC CTL 1550 FD3 S, Quantity 2. The Government determined that Toptica Photonics is the sole source provider capable of meeting the specialized technical requirements. The CTL 1550 FD3 S product line offers a tunable wavelength range of 1510-1630 nm with an extremely narrow instantaneous frequency linewidth of 0.3 kHz and average short-term linewidth of < 10 kHz, essential for quantum microwave-optical transduction and fiber interferometer locking applications. These lasers must interface with device-specific frequencies and are compatible with existing Toptica equipment already located in Government laboratories and used in multiple experimental setups. Toptica Photonics is the sole manufacturer and does not maintain a reseller network. A Notice of Proposed Contract Action (NOCA) presolicitation notice was posted to SAM.gov between July 9-24, 2026 with no responses received. The sole source justification is supported under RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services) and RFO 13.101(b) (Noncommercial Products and Services). The Contracting Officer approved the determination on July 28, 2026.