Coherent Prometheus 20 Laser System

NASA's Shared Services Center issued this Special Notice on November 20, 2025, for a sole source procurement of a Coherent Prometheus 20 Laser System. The notice announces NASA's intent to award a contract directly to COHERENT NA, INC. of Santa Clara, California, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), without competitive bidding. The procurement is classified under NAICS Code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and PSC Code 5999 (Miscellaneous Electrical and Electronic Components). NASA has determined that Coherent is the sole provider capable of supplying a laser system meeting the unique technical specifications required for this project. The justification for sole source procurement is based on the company's exclusive ability to provide the specialized equipment needed for NASA's operational requirements.

The laser system is intended for the Lidar Instrument for measurement of Salinity and Temperature in the Ocean (LISTO) project and must operate at dual wavelengths (532 nm and 1,064 nm) with output powers of 20 mW and 40 mW respectively, featuring a narrow linewidth of maximum 1 MHz and tunable capabilities for molecular iodine absorption lines. The contract includes a 10-week delivery timeline from award, with an associated NASA contract number 80NSSC25CA067. While this is a sole source award, NASA invited interested organizations to submit capability statements and qualifications by October 8, 2025, at 8 a.m. Central Standard Time to the primary point of contact, Stephanie Graham, to demonstrate whether the procurement might be conducted competitively, though the final determination rests with the government. The procurement includes mandatory artificial intelligence disclosure requirements for contractors under OMB memo M-25-22, requiring disclosure of AI technology usage and compliance with covered AI systems acquisition standards. Performance will take place at NASA Langley Research Center, and interested parties should note that oral communications are not acceptable for submissions.