Solicitation for Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by NIST, soliciting proposals for an Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer. The acquisition, set aside for small businesses, seeks a firm-fixed-price quotation including shipping and a 1-year warranty. Interested parties must submit electronic quotations by May 20, 2026, 4:00 pm ET, to Nina Lin and Donald Collie. Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions. Technical submissions must demonstrate compliance with NIST requirements, while price submissions must detail all costs, including tariffs for foreign-manufactured products. Award will be based on the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation, evaluated sequentially starting with the lowest bid. All quoters must have an active registration in SAM.gov.

NIST requires an Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR) for its Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division to support advanced measurement methods in integrated photonics manufacturing. The OFDR must operate in the telecommunications C and L bands with high spatial resolution and dynamic range for analyzing back reflection and transmission signals from photonic integrated circuit components. Key technical specifications include wavelength coverage from 1520 nm to 1630 nm, both reflection and transmission measurement modes, an external benchtop laser source, and the ability to work with a user-provided laser. It must have an internal laser source linewidth under 300 kHz, wavelength accuracy of +/-1.5 pm, and three length measurement modes. The system requires a two-point sampling resolution of 8 micrometers or better, return loss dynamic range of 120 dB, and insertion loss dynamic range of 115 dB. Remote control via Ethernet with software drivers is essential. Delivery is FOB destination within 120 days, with a minimum 12-month warranty. The payment schedule is 100% after receipt, installation, and acceptance. Cybersecurity and privacy requirements, consistent with federal laws like FISMA and OMB Circular A-130, mandate a system security plan, secure configuration management, restricted access to sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII), multi-factor authentication, continuous vulnerability scanning, and robust incident response processes. SPII must be encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest using FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated algorithms.

This government file outlines the standard and agency-specific provisions and clauses incorporated into federal contracts, both by reference and in full text. Key sections include FAR 52.252-1 and 52.252-2, which detail the incorporation of solicitation provisions and contract clauses. The document lists numerous FAR and CAR clauses covering whistleblower rights, prohibitions on certain confidentiality agreements, System for Award Management (SAM) requirements, reporting executive compensation, small business set-asides, labor laws (e.g., convict labor, child labor, equal opportunity, combating trafficking in persons), Buy American provisions, and payment terms. It also includes full-text clauses such as FAR 52.212-4, which defines terms and conditions for commercial products and services, covering inspection, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment (including overpayments and interest), risk of loss, taxes, and termination. Furthermore, the document incorporates NIST-specific clauses regarding contract performance during changes in operating status, electronic billing instructions, and the use of the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Several provisions include