Sole Source-LightBOT laser welding system by Serra Laser

The State of Colorado is issuing a sole-source justification for the procurement of an integrated laser welding system from Serra Laser on behalf of Front Range Community College's MSTAT WEL division, with a question/challenge deadline of September 28, 2026.

The procurement is restricted to Serra Laser as the exclusive authorized provider of the LightBot robotic laser welding system and integrated LightSafe weld cells. Front Range Community College justifies sole-source status under Colorado Procurement Rule R-24-103-205-01 on the basis that Serra Laser is the only vendor offering a dual-use manual and robotic welding setup with purpose-engineered cell interlocks that automatically disable the laser when the cell door opens. The college notes that competing vendors offer only used or refurbished systems.

The scope encompasses a dual-cell portable laser welding enclosure with integrated LightBot and manual IPG Photonics laser safety interlock system, a Fanuc CRX cobot with integrated laser welding capability, dual-axis positioner, laser welding helmets and safety glasses, and a Fanuc Preston Eastin tilt-and-rotate unit with eight-axis coordinated motion control. The system is designed to support both manual and automated weld training. On-site training and setup of the Fanuc to LightWELD system are included.

The total procurement cost is $229,136; with an educational discount applied, the net cost is $213,096, including shipping to the college's location in zip code 80526. Delivery timelines are five weeks for all items except the tilt-and-rotate unit, which requires twelve weeks. The vendor's quote, issued August 23, 2026, expires September 22, 2026.