Computer controlled automated tunable wavelength bandpass filter

The Naval Research Laboratory, under the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research, has published a Notice of Intent to Award a sole source contract for a Computer Controlled Automated Tunable Wavelength Bandpass Filter with accessories. This special notice is classified under NAICS code 334413 (Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing) and PSC 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies), with a small business set-aside designation. The NRL intends to award this purchase order exclusively to RPMC LASERS, stating that only this single responsible source can satisfy the agency's specific requirements. The procurement will utilize Simplified Acquisition Procedures under FAR Part 13.106-1(b) for purchases not exceeding the $250,000 simplified acquisition threshold. This notice explicitly states it is not a competitive solicitation or request for offers.

The primary purpose of this notice is to inform the contracting community of the government's intent to make a sole source award while providing an opportunity for interested parties to demonstrate that competition would benefit the government. Contractors have fifteen calendar days from the September 15, 2025 publication date (until September 19, 2025) to respond if they believe they can provide the required equipment and that competition would be advantageous. Any responses must present clear and convincing evidence supporting the value of competitive procurement rather than sole source acquisition. Eligibility is open to small businesses given the total small business set-aside designation, and respondents must reference the specific Notice of Intent number in all correspondence. The government reserves sole discretion in determining whether to proceed with competitive procurement based on received responses, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs associated with submitting capability information.