Optical Frequency Combs

This federal requirements document outlines the technical specifications for purchasing three optical frequency comb systems to support the Physical Measurement Laboratory's Time and Frequency Division (Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group). The systems will stabilize various laser wavelengths used in an ytterbium optical clock. The acquisition includes one primary system (Item 1) and a separately priced option for two additional systems (Item 2). Both configurations require turnkey operation, a repetition rate of 200 MHz or greater, high-speed modulation, built-in f_CEO stabilization, and rack-mountable packaging of 8U or less. They must also support continuous operation for multiple consecutive weeks. The primary system requires optical heterodyne beat and laser locking modules at 1156 nm, 1388 nm, 759 nm, 556 nm, and 798 nm. The optional systems share these wavelength requirements but substitute the 556 nm module for an 1112 nm module. Delivery, installation, and on-site training must be completed within six to eight months after receipt of order (ARO). Additionally, the government anticipates an extended inspection and acceptance period of 21 business days to verify system performance.

This combined synopsis/solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under solicitation number NB688000-26-02473. The government is seeking firm-fixed-price quotations for one Optical Frequency Combs system (CLIN 0001) and associated transportation or tariff charges (CLIN 0002). This commercial procurement is not set aside for small businesses and is classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). To be eligible for award, quoters must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and throughout the contract lifecycle. The contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror submitting the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote. Technical capability (Factor 1) will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis, assessing the offeror's demonstrated ability and technical approach to meeting the required specifications. Quoted prices (Factor 2) will be evaluated for reasonableness. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to Contract Specialist Lisa Stevens (lisa.stevens@nist.gov) and Contracting Officer Angela Hitt (angela.hitt@nist.gov) by August 15, 2026. Final signed and dated quotations must be submitted via email to the same contacts no later than 11:00 AM Mountain Time on August 25, 2026.

This federal solicitation document (NB688000-26-02473) details the applicable provisions, clauses, and administrative instructions for the acquisition of Optical Frequency Combs by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It incorporates standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) guidelines, featuring several updated deviations from January and April 2026. Key contract requirements include: - **Representations & Compliance:** Standard small business program representations and a specific clause prohibiting federal contractors from engaging in racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. - **Shipping & Delivery:** Terms are set as F.O.B. Destination, with delivery directed to the NIST campus in Boulder, Colorado, utilizing a designated customs broker for international shipments. - **Operations & Billing:** Contractors must monitor NIST campus operating status daily and stop work during lapses in federal appropriations unless designated as excepted. Invoices must be submitted electronically to INVOICE@NIST.GOV and processed through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). - **Protests:** Procedures and contact information are provided for filing agency, GAO, or Court of Federal Claims protests through the Department of Commerce's Office of the General Counsel.

This document outlines the technical specifications and requirements for procuring optical frequency comb systems for the Physical Measurement Laboratory's Time and Frequency Division (Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The primary objective is to acquire three systems suitable for stabilizing various laser wavelengths used in an ytterbium optical clock. The procurement consists of two parts: - **Item 1 (Quantity: 1):** An optical frequency comb system with a repetition rate of 200 MHz or greater, featuring turnkey operation, high-speed modulation, built-in f_CEO stabilization, and optical/RF f_rep stabilization. It must include modules and locking electronics for laser wavelengths at 1156 nm, 1388 nm, 759 nm, 556 nm, and 798 nm. - **Item 2 (Quantity: 2 - Separately Priced Option):** Two additional comb systems sharing identical performance specifications to Item 1, but configured with modules and locking electronics for laser wavelengths at 1156 nm, 1388 nm, 759 nm, 1112 nm, and 798 nm. Both systems must be rack-mountable (<= 8U), capable of continuous operation for multiple weeks, and include on-site installation and training. Delivery of all goods, installation, and training must be completed within 6 to 8 months after receipt of order (ARO). The government's inspection and acceptance testing period is expected to take up to 21 days.