Magic Wavelength Laser for Ytterbium Optical Lattice Clock

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure one Magic Wavelength Laser for Ytterbium Optical Lattice Clocks through solicitation number NB688000-25-02099. The procurement specifically requires a Hi-power 460 nm External Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL) with output power greater than 400 mW operating between 457-461 nm, featuring instantaneous linewidth 10 GHz mode hop free tuning and greater than 30 dB optical isolation. The laser system must include a digital controller for operation with inputs for laser locking, and the resonator must be machined from a single piece of metal for temperature and acoustic stability. NIST will evaluate quotations using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, examining the lowest price quotation first for technical acceptability and awarding without evaluating higher-priced offers once an acceptable submission is found. Quotations must be submitted electronically to deionne.jones@nist.gov by 12:00 PM Mountain Standard Time on August 18, 2025.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and is unrestricted competition under NAICS code 334516 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. No incumbent contractors or specific budget ranges are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract requires delivery within 16 weeks after receipt of order, with partial delivery acceptable, and includes a warranty requirement for the laser diode covering one year or 3,000 hours of operation. Performance will occur at NIST's facility located at 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305. The procurement utilizes firm fixed pricing with Net 30 payment terms and requires offerors to maintain active SAM registration with UEI number while completing all required representations and certifications.