NIST - Calcium Quadrupole Laser

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is procuring a highly specialized Calcium Quadrupole Laser system for the Ion Storage Group's quantum computing, quantum simulation, and optical clock experiments. The procurement requires a continuous wave, tunable laser operating at 729.3 nm wavelength with stringent performance specifications including an instantaneous linewidth less than 10 kHz, power output exceeding 350 mW, mode-hop free tuning range greater than 5 GHz, and advanced phase-locking capabilities with feedback bandwidth over 1 MHz. The laser system must include comprehensive driving and locking electronics, Pound-Drever-Hall actuation modules, and demonstrate exceptional frequency stability and environmental robustness. The solicitation is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method, requiring vendors to demonstrate technical capability to meet the detailed specifications. Quotations are due by July 14, 2025, and must be submitted electronically to matthew.delgado@nist.gov with reference to solicitation number NB688000-25-01743.

This procurement is unrestricted with no set-aside designation and falls under NAICS code 334413 (Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees. The requirement is for one complete laser system with delivery to NIST's Boulder, Colorado facility within eighteen weeks after receipt of order. Vendors must maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and provide firm fixed pricing with Net 30 payment terms. The procurement includes a planned seven-business-day government acceptance testing period following delivery and installation. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the solicitation documents, and the procurement appears to be a new requirement rather than a recompete of an existing contract.