NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Ti:sapphire lasers with Pump Laser and Resonant Doubling Cavity

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 M Squared Lasers, Inc., 268 Summer Street, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02210 the purchase of one (1) frequency doubled Ti:sapphire 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) frequency doubled Ti:sapphire laser capable of producing these wavelengths at high power with long-term frequency stability. The Thermodynamic Metrology group is developing a MgF molecule laser cooling experiment that will enable quantum metrology of thermal radiation.  This project requires a high-power, spectrally-narrow source of laser light that is tunable for wavelengths around 364 nm to 374 nm.

To meet theses uses, the required laser’s stability is a key consideration as multiple lasers must operate simultaneously.  Therefore,a require the Ti:sapphire laser and doubling cavity to be constructed from stainless steel, which is more mechanically stable than aluminum.  The Ti:sapphire laser should be hermetically sealed.   A single frequency (< 1 MHz linewidth) laser should pump the Ti:sapphire laser for best power and frequency stability. The Ti:sapphire laser should have a linewidth <100 kHz absolute and amplitude noise <0.1% rms. Power is also key as it determines the number of molecules trapped, and therefore the sensitivity of the measurement is directly linked to this parameter.  The Ti:sapphire laser must output > 6 W of light at wavelengths tuneable from 728 nm to 748 nm.  The entire system must output at least 1.5 W of light at wavelengths tuneable from 364 nm to 374 nm while meeting all stability requirements (linewidth <200 KHz absolute) and low amplitude noise (< 0.2% rms).

While several of the vendors identified can produce instruments that meet some of the requirements, M Squared is the only vendor that can meet all of the requirements simultaneously in their instrument. 

M Squared Lasers, Inc. 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 February 5, 2022 will be considered by the government.  Responses shall be submitted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.gov or forest.crumpler@nist.gov