Ultra-high speed spatial light modulator

NASA's National Spaceflight Support Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for an ultra-high speed spatial light modulator, targeting small businesses for potential procurement. The opportunity, identified by the contract ID 80NSSC886709Q, was posted on December 3, 2024, with responses due by December 6, 2024. The procurement will be conducted under the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing NAICS category (334516) and will utilize commercial item procedures outlined in FAR Parts 12 and 13. The requirement specifically calls for a specialized optical device to be used at NASA Glenn Research Center. This Special Notice appears to be initially positioned as a potential sole source contract to Meadowlark Optics, Inc., but remains open to competitive submissions from qualified small businesses.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to procure a sophisticated spatial light modulator with precise technical specifications for NASA's research needs. Contractors must submit written capability statements by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on December 6, 2024, to be considered for potential competition. The device must meet stringent technical requirements, including a 1024x1024 pixel array operating at 1550 nm wavelength, with specific performance metrics such as zero-order diffraction efficiency over 74% and a liquid crystal response time of 3.9 ms. Only small businesses are eligible to participate, and the government retains sole discretion on whether to compete the requirement. The specification requires a comprehensive Software Developer Kit supporting both Matlab and C++ programming environments. Interested contractors must carefully review the attached technical specifications and ensure full compliance with NASA's detailed technical and operational requirements.