Notice of intent - nonlinear crystals for SUM frequency generation

This requirement is conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b).  This is a notice of intent to negotiate a sole source procurement only and is not a request for competitive quotations.  However, contractors who want to challenge this sole source must submit an interest letter, as well as a capabilities statement that demonstrates their ability to meet this requirement.

The NIST Ion Storage group performs quantum-information operations on the electronic states of trapped ions using high-power ultraviolet (UV) laser light. This light is generated using the nonlinear process of sum frequency generation to convert infrared laser light to visible, which is then converted to UV.  The sum frequency generation takes place in a specialized nonlinear-optical material.  Covesion LTD is the sole manufacturer of the only product that we have been able to confirm to be suitable for our application. Following years of laboratory testing and experience, Covesion's nonlinear crystals appear to be the only available nonlinear crystals that meet our experimental requirements of high efficiency, high power handling, and stable long-term performance. These crystals have specifications that remain proprietary making it so other vendors are not able to provide the same requirements. Failure to purchase this product would negatively affect our experiment to the point of being unable to proceed with the experiments.

The interest letter, as well as a capabilities statement,  must demonstrate your organizations’ ability to provide the product(s) and/or service(s) contruction capabilites as described within this notice, as well as the associated Specifications Document.   Only responses received by 4:00 P.M. Mountian Daylight Savings Time on March 26, 2020 will be considered by the Government directly to MeeLondrell Lumpkin, Contracting Officer, at meelondrell.lumpkin@nist.gov, email subject header must include NB688000-20-01065.

No solicitation package will be issued. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement. NIST shall not reimburse for any cost(s) connected with providing the interest letter, as well as a capabilities statement.

Therefore, The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate on a sole-source with COVESION LTD. DUNS 210102330 for NONLINEAR CRYSTALS FOR SUM FREQUENCY GENERATION.  The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 USC 3304(a)(1); FAR 13.106-1(b). The requirement is assigned a NAICS code of 541715, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.