Requirements Document .pdf

NIST Requirements Document

Qunnect Automated Polarization Compensation System (Qu-APC)

I. Introduction/Background:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/Quantum Information Group applies expertise in mathematical subdisciplines such as combinatorics, graph theory, network science, operations research, optimization, discrete nonlinear dynamics, computational geometry, quantum mechanics, and information theory. Researchers apply their knowledge and skills in areas such as the experimental quantum optics, fundamental models of physics, chemistry, biology, and information systems, complex systems analysis, pattern recognition, and quantum computing and communications. In collaboration with NIST and outside scientists, the group develops, analyzes, and applies related mathematical and experimental methods and tools for critical problems of measurement science at NIST, and develops mathematical foundations for the measurement science of information systems.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain an automated polarization compensation system (APC) that can be used to stabilize the polarization of an aerial fiber in our quantum network testbed, and which is able to stabilize this fiber over a length, greater than 60 km. The APC will be used to stabilize our 64 km aerial fiber between NIST and the University of Maryland for the purpose of polarization entanglement distribution and polarization entanglement swapping. Since these protocols rely on transporting single photons, the APC must support time-multiplexing with the quantum signal, as otherwise the quantum signal will be swamped by the APC signal, and quantum protocols will not be possible to be executed. Therefore, classical telecom polarization stabilization systems cannot be used, but a quantum-ready system needs to be used for our purposes. We identified the Qunnect Qu-APC system, consisting of an injector and compensator module, as the best system to suit our needs. Further, we have already a written software library for this system to automate the data acquisition and data analysis. The Qu-APC will further assist with NIST’s research of developing a moveable measurement test suite for quantum network component and protocol testing, verification, and characterization. The test suite will be implemented on the NIST and University of Maryland campus along with a fiber network dedicated to quantum optical signal transfer between various quantum network nodes.

III. Minimum Requirements:

The system shall meet or exceed the salient characteristics identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of “gray market” components not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the proposer is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable.

The Contractor shall provide a Firm Fixed Price Quotation for the following CLINS.

Contract Line Item 0001:

Qunnect Q-APC system, consisting of an injector and compensator module, quantity one (1), in accordance with the specification requirements identified in the following:

- Qunnect Qu-APC consisting of:

1 Qu-APC Compensator:

a. Arbitrary polarization stabilization through time-multiplexing

b. Max average polarization state fidelity of 98%

c. Fast 1-10kHz Polarimeter

d. Rack mountable, less than 3U

2 Qu-APC Injector:

a. Automated telecom injector for polarization reference.

b. Internal SFP laser at O band, 1324 nm

c. Input ports for external laser

d. Input/output port internal optical switch for time multiplexing

e. Rack mountable, less than 3U

3 Combined input->output insertion loss of less than 2 dB

IV. Delivery:

Delivery shall be FOB destination and shall occur within 3 months after contractor receipt of order. FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all Line Items to:

NIST Shipping & Receiving 100 Bureau Drive Building 301 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

V. Inspection and Acceptance:

In addition to the inspection and acceptance terms articulated in 52.212-4, the Government reserves the right to perform such performance tests and evaluations as defined below to verify specified system performance. Such tests and evaluations, if performed, shall be conducted within the environment that the system is to be operated. The Contractor has the right to be present during the tests and evaluations, if performed, at the Contractor’s expense.

The scope of general inspection included:

Structural, mechanical, and electrical evaluation of product An operational evaluation of the Qu-APC system Evaluation of the system’s performance and software interfacing

A visual inspection of the Qu-APC system will be performed by the NIST TPOC to identify defects or any form of indication that the Qu-APC system was damaged during transport to NIST. The Government shall have sole discretion to require repair or replacement of damaged and/or nonconforming supplies at no cost to the Government. The Government at any time prior to acceptance shall reject the Qu- APC system due to defects and/or nonconformance.

The vendor is responsible for latent defects discovered any time after final inspection.

However, the extent of its liability shall be prorated over the useful life of the Qu- APC system.

The place of acceptance shall be:

100 Bureau Drive Building 220 Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Ownership (title) of the Qu-APC system shall transfer to NIST upon acceptance.

VI. Warranty

The contractor shall warrant the entire system in accordance with the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s commercial item warranty terms and conditions, to include at minimum parts and labor for 36 months.

VII. Payment Schedule

The Contractor shall be paid, in accordance with Net 30-day payment terms, upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice, in accordance with the following schedule:

1. 100% after receipt and acceptance of fully delivered system.

2. The Government anticipates inspection will occur upon:

a. After the testing procedures set forth in this document have been complete

NOTE: Partial shipments and partial invoices will not be accepted, unless other-wise requested and accepted by the Contracting Officer prior to award offer. Proposed payment schedules shall be submitted with vendor’s response to the RFQ for consideration.