R9880 Photomultiplier Detectors with Extended Green Bialkali Photocathode

NASA's National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for the procurement of R9880 Photomultiplier Detectors with Extended Green Bialkali Photocathode. The agency is seeking these specialized analytical instruments that feature an 8mm effective active area diameter, quantum efficiency of 19% at 530 nm, and operate within a temperature range of -30 to +50 degrees Celsius. The detectors utilize a borosilicate window with response range of 300 to 700 nm and incorporate a metal channel 10-stage dynode structure. NASA currently intends to issue this as a sole source contract to Hamamatsu, having determined they are the only provider capable of supplying these specific photomultiplier tubes. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and will be conducted using commercial item acquisition procedures.

The primary purpose of this Special Notice is to provide market research and determine whether competitive procurement is feasible for these highly specialized photomultiplier detectors that will be used at NASA Langley Research Center. Interested organizations must submit written capability statements and qualifications by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on August 18, 2025, with oral communications not being accepted. Contractors seeking to participate must demonstrate their ability to provide R9880 photomultiplier detectors meeting the exact technical specifications, including the Extended Green Bialkali photocathode and specific performance characteristics such as anode rise time of 0.57 ns and maximum supply voltage of 1100V. NASA will evaluate all submissions solely to determine if the procurement can be conducted competitively, while retaining full discretion over the final procurement approach and method.