Sources Sought Optical Frequency Combs
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
A newer solicitation was posted. See the latest solicitation from .
- Solicitation number
- NB688000-26-02473
- Agency
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Lisa Stevens lisa.stevens@nist.gov (252) 422-2097
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
NIST is conducting a sources sought market research to identify vendors capable of providing optical frequency combs, with responses due by August 8, 2026, prior to determining the acquisition method and issuing a solicitation. This is not a request for quotation and does not commit the Government to award a contract.
NIST seeks three optical frequency comb systems to stabilize laser wavelengths for ytterbium optical clocks. Item 1 consists of one system; Item 2 comprises two identical systems with slightly different laser locking module wavelengths. Both items require 200 MHz or greater repetition rate with turnkey operation, high-speed modulation of f_rep and f_CEO, built-in f_CEO stabilization with phase noise less than 1 radian integrated 10 Hz to 1 MHz, and f_rep stabilization via optical input at 1156 nm or RF external reference at 10 MHz. Residual stability for external laser locking must be less than 3e-16 at 1 second; f_rep output signal residual stability of 1e-14 or better at 1 second. Systems must be 8U or less rack-mountable configuration with on-site installation and training, capable of continuous operation for multiple consecutive weeks. Delivery, installation, and training must be completed within 6–8 months after receipt of order. Government acceptance testing is expected to require 21 business days. Base manufacturer warranty is acceptable.
Respondents must indicate the country where the product is manufactured. NIST will evaluate market research results to determine if at least two qualified small businesses exist; if so, the acquisition will be set-aside for small business. All responsible firms of any size are invited to respond.
Notice text
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Acquisition Management Division
Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.
It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition.
The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide Optical Frequency Combs per the specifications attached herein.
This announcement is not a Request for Proposals or Quotes (RFP/RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. The information contained in this notice is DRAFT only and, as such, is subject to change prior to the issuance of a solicitation. No solicitation is available currently. Additionally, the Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, who manufacture the Optical Frequency Combs in the U.S. prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT COUNTRY MANUFACTURES THIS PRODUCT.
After the results of this market research are obtained and analyzed, NIST may conduct a competitive or non-competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfill the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside, however, NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses. Responses should include the country where the product is manufactured.
This requirement is assigned a NAICS code of 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirements should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to four (4) pages or less. Responses should include the following information:
- Name of the company that will provide the product(s).
- Name of the company that will manufacture the product.
- County of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples of products that meet the specifications that demonstrate experience in meeting the requirements of this procurement.
- Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of order
- Any other relevant information that is not listed above that the Government should consider in developing its minimum specifications and finalizing its market research.
(Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered.)
Any proprietary information should be so marked. The written capability statement should be received by the Contract Specialist, Lisa Stevens, via email at lisa.stevens@nist.gov no later than the date and time posted in this notice. No quotes will be accepted at this time and will not be considered.
REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW:
See the attached Requirements and Specifications document
Attachments
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| NB688000-26-02473 Requirements and Specifications.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Frequency Combs | Solicitation | |
| Sources Sought Optical Frequency Combs | Pre-Solicitation |
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