1300nm Tunable Laser

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure a 1300nm tunable laser system for their Photonics and Optomechanics Group to support quantum sensing research involving microresonator optical frequency conversion devices. The solicitation (RFQ #1333ND25QNB680280) requires a new, continuously tunable laser with specific technical specifications including wavelength tunability from 1290-1350 nm, greater than 20 mW optical output power, and greater than 45 dB optical isolation. The procurement will be awarded to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offeror based on two primary evaluation criteria: technical capability and price, with vendors required to demonstrate that their proposed laser meets or exceeds all minimum requirements specified in the Statement of Work. Electronic quotations must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on July 11, 2025, to Contract Specialist Cielo Ibarra and Contracting Officer Forest Crumpler. The government reserves the right to award without discussions based solely on initial quotes, and no prototypes, demonstration models, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.

This procurement is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 employees. The solicitation calls for a single line item consisting of one 1300nm IR laser system, with delivery required to NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland within 150 days after receipt of award. The contract will be structured as a firm fixed price commercial purchase with Net 30-day payment terms and 100% payment upon receipt and acceptance of the equipment. The contractor must provide a complete system including control electronics, documentation, software, and a one-year warranty with support, while NIST will handle installation and no in-person training is required. Performance will take place at the NIST facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where the laser will be used for characterizing photonic integrated circuit components, particularly optical microresonators.