NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Coherent Optical Multidimensional Spectroscopy System with Spatial Mapping Capability

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 basis, with MONSTR Sense Technologies LLC; 3365 Washtenaw Ave, Ste. 209, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 for the purchase of one (1) coherent optical multidimensional spectroscopy system with spatial mapping capability to be utilized by NIST’s Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML). The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 USC 3304(a)(1); FAR 13.106-1(b).

***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire one (1) coherent optical multidimensional spectroscopy system with spatial mapping capability to enable new capabilities in ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy and device characterization. NDCD requires a coherent optical multidimensional spectroscopy system with spatial mapping capability. This acquisition will enable new capabilities in ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy and device characterization. The multidimensional optical spectroscopy system will be used to characterize novel semiconductor materials, nanostructures, and devices. Multidimensional optical spectroscopy relies on a sequence of phase-stabilized pulses that coherently excite the sample. The multidimensional spectroscopy system currently present in the division cannot use a spot size less than approximately 30 micrometers because it utilizes multiple spatially separated beams. A collinear, single-beam geometry will allow a diffraction limited spot of a few microns, which will enable study of a much wider variety of novel materials of interest. To enable acquisition of position-dependent spectra, it is also required that the system have a raster scanning capability. NDCD requires that the system be compatible with a currently existing Ti:sapphire laser that operates at high repetition rate of 76 MHz. The nonlinear signals of interest are small and a high repetition rate system is necessary to achieve sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and is critical for performing nonlinear spectroscopy measurements on small samples. Furthermore, use of a small spot will enable spatially-resolved measurements of variation of material properties within a sample, which is a significant concern for novel semiconductor materials of interest.

It was determined that only MONSTR Sense Technologies LLC offered a system that could meet the repetition 76 MHz rate, collinear beam geometry, and spatial-scanning capability.

MONSTR Sense Technologies LLC is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets the required minimum specifications.

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

*****A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. 

*****No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. Interested parties that believe they can satisfy the requirements listed above must identify their capability in writing before the response date of this notice. Only responses received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 23, 2022 will be considered by the government.  Responses shall be submitted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.gov or forest.crumpler@nist.gov