Dual Port Electro-Optic Modulators

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.  This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals) with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

The Government requires the procurement of two (2) dual-port electro-optic modulators (EOMs) and intends to negotiate a sole-source award for this requirement with EOSpace, Inc., 6222 185th Ave NE, Ste 100, Redmond, Washington 98052-6295.  

The applicable product descriptions and technical specifications are as follows:

ITEM 1:

Model:  AX-2x2-0MSS-10-PFA-PFA-LV

Quantity: 1

Description: Low Vpi Small Form X-cut 10 GHz Lithium Niobate Dual-input/Dual-Output Modulator / Switch at 1550nm Wavelength

Specifications:

• Number of inputs/outputs: 2 inputs, 2 outputs
• Operating Wavelength: 1550 nm
• Insertion loss: < 5 dB (max)
• Bandwidth: > 10 GHz (DC to > 10 GHz)
• Switch response time: < 1 nanosecond
• Modulation Port Vpi (@1 GHz): ~ < 5 V (max)
• DC Bias Port Vpi: < 10 volts
• S11 (0.13 to 10 GHz): ~ -10 dB
• Optical Null Depth (@DC) (channel crosstalk): > 18 dB
• Optical Return Loss: > 40 dB
• RF Connector: female SMA
• DC connector: female SMA
• Fiber-coupled:  Yes
• Input Fiber (2x): PM, ~1 meter long
• Output Fiber (2x): PM, ~1 meter long
• Optical Connectors: FC/APC

ITEM 2:

Model:  AX-2x2-0MSS-10-PFA-PFA-LV-1310

Quantity: 1

Description: Low Vpi Small Form X-cut 10 GHz Lithium Niobate Dual-input/Dual-Output Modulator / Switch at 1310nm Wavelength

Specifications:

• Number of inputs/outputs: 2 inputs, 2 outputs
• Operating Wavelength: 1310nm
• Insertion loss: < 5 dB (max)
• Bandwidth: > 10 GHz (DC to > 10 GHz)
• Switch response time: < 1 nanosecond
• Modulation Port Vpi (@1 GHz): ~ < 5 V (max)
• DC Bias Port Vpi: < 10 volts
• S11 (0.13 to 10 GHz): ~ -10 dB
• Optical Null Depth (@DC) (channel crosstalk): > 18 dB
• Optical Return Loss: > 40 dB
• RF Connector: female SMA
• DC connector: female SMA
• Fiber-coupled:  Yes
• Input Fiber (2x): PM, ~1 meter long (900um loose tube)
• Output Fiber (2x): PM, ~1 meter long (900um loose tube)
• Optical Connectors: FC/APC (slow axis aligned to the narrow key)

The Government has determined that other companies' products do not meet or cannot be modified to meet the Government's needs. The Government requires the procurement of specialized fiber-coupled electro-optic modulators (EOMs) for ongoing research and development. The devices must contain EOMs with dual outputs in order to perform their intended research functions of filtering photons to two spatially separated output paths through utilization of the modulation capability of the EOM. Furthermore, the Government has previously purchased EOSpace branded dual-input/dual-output EOMs which researchers have integrated into existing equipment and are currently in use in ongoing experiments. To maximize uniformity across all prototype assemblies, purchase of the same units is required. This uniformity will minimize the overhead associated with incorporating the new EOMs into current equipment and ensure hardware uniformity within the existing experimental setups, thereby minimizing overall risk.

Research has determined that EOSpace, Inc. is the only vendor that offers commercially available dual-inupt/dual-output EOMs which meet the Government’s required technical and performance capabilities. Based upon this information, as well as the fact that EOSpace, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and provider of the required dual-input/dual-output EOMs, a sole-source award to EOSpace, Inc. is anticipated.

This is a notice of proposed contract action and NOT a request for competitive proposals; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent by email to leslie.kaighen@us.af.mil. Responses must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements.

Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 30 May 2025.

A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award in accordance with applicable regulation.