Ultrastable Optical Reference Cavity System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, Team E-Boulder seeks quotations for one ultrastable optical reference cavity system via Request for Quotation, with quotations due June 29, 2026.

This is an unrestricted procurement with no set-aside. Place of performance is Boulder, Colorado (NIST, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305). The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The PSC code is 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

The system must meet precise technical specifications for a quantum sensing project developing a strontium optical lattice clock with integrated photonics. Required specifications include thermal noise fractional frequency stability of 6×10⁻¹⁶ enabling a stabilized laser linewidth less than 1 Hz; primary operating wavelength of 1396 nm with finesse of 200,000 to 400,000; secondary operating wavelength of 689 nm with finesse of 1,000 to 20,000; anti-reflective coating with less than 0.1% reflection at both operating wavelengths; compatibility with laboratory operating temperature of 24 degrees Celsius; and vacuum housing with invar mounting block and positioned viton balls for low vibration stability.

Quotations must include firm fixed pricing covering all shipping and delivery fees, with delivery required twenty weeks after receipt of order, FOB Destination. Payment terms are Net 30. Offerors must provide detailed product literature and specifications demonstrating compliance, country of origin/manufacture information, SAM Unique Entity ID, and must accept solicitation terms or list specific exceptions with rationale. Quotations remain valid for 120 days. Evaluation follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable approach, with Factor 1 (Technical Capability) evaluated on Acceptable/Unacceptable basis and Factor 2 (Price) evaluated for reasonableness. Award is expected within two months of item receipt.