Narrow Linewidth, Motorized Tunable Laser

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the Department of Commerce, is procuring a specialized Narrow Linewidth, Mode-hop-free Motorized Continuously Tunable External Cavity Diode Laser for optical spectroscopy research conducted by their Physical Measurement Lab's Nanofabrication and Measurement Group. The laser system must operate within a 760-790 nm wavelength range, provide single-frequency output with a linewidth of 20 kHz or less, and offer motorized continuous mode-hop-free wavelength scanning at speeds of 5 nm/s or higher, along with an integrated optical fiber coupler and output power of 10 mW or greater. This procurement requires offerors to demonstrate technical capability and relevant experience through detailed technical descriptions and up to three relevant contracts or projects from the past five years. The evaluation will be based on technical capability, relevant experience, and price, with technical factors weighted more heavily than price considerations. Electronic quotations are due by August 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM EDT, and must be submitted via email to both the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

This solicitation operates as an unrestricted competition with no set-aside designation, making it available to all qualified contractors regardless of business size, though it falls under NAICS code 334516 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The procurement involves delivering one complete laser system to NIST's facility at 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001, with a delivery timeline of 14 weeks after offer receipt. The contract structure follows a firm-fixed-price arrangement with 100% payment scheduled post-installation and acceptance, contingent upon successful testing and demonstration that all technical specifications are met. The laser system will support research in nanophotonic structures and quantum dot spectroscopy, specifically for cryogenic optical microscopy and spectroscopy measurements of solid-state defect quantum emitters. No incumbent contractors or specific budget ranges were identified in the solicitation documentation.