Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- SS-AFRL-RIZ-2026-0032
- Agency
-
Air Force Research Laboratory
Air Force Materiel Command, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is conducting a Sources Sought for a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System, with responses due by July 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This is a market-survey notice, not a formal solicitation or commitment to contract, issued to evaluate industry capability against a Draft Minimum Requirements Document.
The required system must deliver single-photon detection across visible and near-infrared wavelengths (approximately 700 nanometers to 2,100 nanometers) with photon detection efficiency of at least 80 percent for near-infrared and 60 percent for extended infrared wavelengths to 2,000 nanometers or greater. Timing resolution must not exceed 100 picoseconds full width at half maximum (preferred); recovery time must reach 50 percent efficiency within 300 nanoseconds or less (wavelength-dependent); and dark count rates should not exceed 1,000 counts per second (preferred, wavelength-dependent). The system must include multiple detection channels with fiber-coupled inputs using standard optical fiber interfaces (FC/PC connectors or equivalent), a closed-cycle cryocooling system capable of maintaining superconducting operating temperatures in laboratory environments, integrated control software, and all necessary cables, connectors, helium lines, drive cables, and consumables. The complete system must be fully integrated and operational upon installation.
Small business concerns must identify their capability and current designation (e.g., 8(a), HubZone) in responses sent to michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil with subject line "Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System." NAICS 334511; PSC 6640.
Notice text
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a requirement for a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.
This is a Sources Sought (SS). This is not a presolicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as any commitment by the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract and or pay for any quote preparation costs. The Government will not accept quotes at this time. This notice is not an offer by the Government to enter into a contract. Interested Small Business concerns must identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement by closing date listed. Responses will allow the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities in support of requirements identified in the Draft Minimum Requirements Document.
NAICS Code: 334511
SUBMISSION DETAILS: All interested parties are encouraged to submit a response to this Sources Sought. Responses will be accepted until 24 July 2026 at 10 AM Eastern Time and should address the following questions:
1. Company name, cage code, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address
2. Identification of whether the company is currently designated as a Small Business as defined in FAR Part 19.1 and the appropriate category (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.).
3. Company description of relevant capability and experience to provide supplies/services in accordance with the minimum requirements.
Capability package responses and questions shall be sent electronically to Mike Hornberger at michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil.
Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.” Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files). Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters. Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB. If sending attachments with e-mail, ensure only .PDF, .doc, docx, xls, or .xsls documents are sent. The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| MRD - SNSPD System.pdf |
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