Mid-IR/Far-IR Optical Frequency Comb

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for three Optical Frequency Comb Systems as part of the CHIPS Metrology Program. The procurement includes two long-wave infrared frequency comb systems, one mid-wave infrared frequency comb system, three comb locking and powering electronics units, installation services, and transportation costs. All systems must be new analytical laboratory instruments with specific technical specifications, including mode-locked pump lasers amplified to 2 watts average power, pulse durations of 80 femtoseconds, and repetition rates between 75-105 MHz. Award will be made on a best-value basis with non-priced factors such as technical capability and demonstrated experience delivering similar instruments weighted significantly more heavily than price. Quotations must be submitted by 11:00 AM Eastern Time on April 22, 2026, remain valid for 90 days, and questions must be submitted within five calendar days of the April 9, 2026 posting date.

This is an unrestricted competition with no set-aside designations using simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12, and no incumbent contractor information has been identified. The contract will be awarded to a single vendor on a firm-fixed-price basis for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing (NAICS 334516) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. All deliverables must be shipped F.O.B. Destination to NIST Gaithersburg at 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, with the frequency comb systems and electronics due no later than 40 weeks after award and installation due within 44 weeks. Installation must be completed within 4 weeks of delivery and include uncrating, rigging, setup, hookup, and specification demonstration at Buildings 221 and 227. The Government will conduct acceptance testing within 30 working days of receipt, and the contractor must provide a one-year warranty commencing upon acceptance, with all work subject to FISMA, OMB Circular A-130, and NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity and privacy requirements.