Titanium: sapphire (TI:SA) laser system(UW-MAD)[20-0069]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is conducting a competitive procurement for a Titanium:Sapphire (Ti:Sa) Laser System through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued by its Purchasing Services Department for the Department of Physics. The procurement seeks a comprehensive laser system designed specifically for quantum computing experiments, requiring a complete package including a pump laser and tunable Ti:Sa laser capable of generating several watts of single frequency laser light near 920 nm. Critical technical specifications include an 18W single frequency pump laser at 532 nm, a Ti:Sa laser tunable near 920 nm with single frequency output exceeding 3W, and fast intracavity electro-optic phase modulation capability for linewidth narrowing to less than 1 kHz. The solicitation was released on February 7, 2020, with written questions due by February 13, 2020, and final bids due on February 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Bidders must demonstrate five years of experience providing laser systems and must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or manufacturer-authorized dealers with service and repair capabilities. Award will be made to the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the best interest of the University, with installation required at 1150 University Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin.

The University may apply supplier diversity preferences for certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) firms, allowing qualified diverse businesses to submit bids up to 5% higher than the apparent low bid. Contractors must provide manufacturer standard warranty, maintain replacement parts availability within five days, respond to service calls within 72 hours, and complete all maintenance or repairs within two weeks of the initial service call. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance, which occurs after a 15-day acceptance testing period verifying all specifications and performance requirements. The contractor's insurance must include the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured, and no import duties or custom charges should be included in bid prices when the University serves as the importer of record. While no specific contract value is disclosed, the procurement suggests a specialized scientific equipment purchase with complex technical requirements. The University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor site visits prior to final award, indicating a thorough evaluation process for this critical research equipment.