Redacted DnF for OTFOC TOPICA_Redacted.pdf

The TOPTICA tunable diode laser is a continuous wavelength tunable laser of great precision.

The laser shall be used to verify the wavelength precision of designed PICs for use in conjunction of Rubidium (Rb) atom atomic transitions at either 780 nanometer (nm) or 795 nm as a means of developing portable and small clocks. The clocks are of great importance to support the warfighter in advancing portable precision time standards. This is the only laser available on the market that meets the governments requirements with an overall wavelength of 760 nm – 810 nm, high precision tuning, and external computer controls and readouts of internal functions. Furthermore, TOPTICA Photonics, Inc holds multiple U.S. patents for the technology that allows the diode laser to meet the Governments minimum requirements for this action including US-7321706-B2 (Optical fiber coupler) and US-7970024-B2 (Tunable diode laser system with external resonator).

Without the purchase of the TOPTICA tunable diode laser, scientists would be unable to verify the functionality of critical PIC components. Without being able to verify these critical components any research programs utilizing PIC components designed for use by ARL would be halted causing indefinite delays until a suitable tunable diode laser was purchased, harming the warfighter in the process. Purchasing the diode laser from another company other than TOPTICA Photonics, Inc would result in a significant time delay and a significant increase of cost since TOPTICA is the only company that can provide a diode laser that can meet the Governments minimum requirements and owns the patents for the parts of the diode laser that help meet these requirements.

Purchasing the diode laser from another company would require waiting for the company to create their own diode laser, which would take significantly longer and cost significantly more than purchasing from TOPTICA Photonics, Inc. Based on the aforementioned, TOPICA Photonics. Inc. is the only company capable of meeting all the governments minimum requirements for this action.

___ 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:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.