Fiber Frequency Quatro Comb System

The Department of the Navy Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking to procure a Fiber Frequency Quattro Comb System for the U.S. Naval Observatory's Precise Time Department. The solicitation (RFQ N0018925Q0179) requires a turn-key, robust fiber frequency comb system centered near 1560 nm with specific technical specifications. Key requirements include a 200 MHz repetition rate, fractional frequency stability below 10^-15 at 1 second, and the ability to lock to a narrow 1544 nm laser while transferring frequency stability to clock and detection lasers at multiple wavelengths (1315 nm, 915 nm, 846 nm, and 862 nm) and radio-frequency signals. The system must provide microwave/RF signal outputs of 10 MHz and 100 MHz with specific frequency stability requirements. Potential vendors should note that questions are due by April 7, 2025, with the solicitation closing on April 11, 2025, and quotes must be held firm for 90 days after the closing date.

The procurement is 100% set aside for small businesses and will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Quotes are to be submitted via SAM.gov, with a required delivery date of December 30, 2024 or sooner to the U.S. Naval Observatory located in Washington, D.C. (ZIP code 20392). The procurement falls under the NAICS category 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and PSC category 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). The system must include frequency-comb extensions with high-signal-to-noise ratio balanced detection units and support long-term frequency stability and linewidth narrowing for external lasers. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the technical complexity and specialized nature of the equipment suggest a significant investment in precise time and frequency measurement technology for naval scientific applications.