Bolometer Upgrade

NASA's Shared Services Center is seeking to procure a bolometer upgrade for an existing detector system currently in use at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The upgrade involves adding a second detector capable of operating at frequencies up to 10 THz, which will be integrated into the existing unit and must include a NbTES bolometer coupled to a f/4.5 Winston cone and a 10 THz low pass edge filter. NASA intends to issue this as a sole source contract to QMC under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), stating that upgrades to the existing system can only be performed by QMC. The procurement will be conducted using commercial item procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13, with the NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on July 21, 2025, though NASA retains sole discretion to determine whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and identifies QMC as the intended sole source contractor for the bolometer upgrade work. The technical requirements specify demanding performance targets including a system noise equivalent power of 10-3.9 pW Hz-1/2 and a linear dynamic range exceeding 70 dB. All work will be performed at the vendor's facility, with performance ultimately taking place at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. The contract includes a two-year warranty period from receipt of the upgraded system. While specific award values are not disclosed in the notice, the procurement falls under the simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Part 13, and the government reserves the right to evaluate any submitted capabilities solely to determine whether competitive procurement is warranted.