Quantum Cascade Laser and Detector

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued Request for Quotations (RFQ) 75D301-26-Q-79265 to acquire a quantum cascade laser (QCL) system, detector, and cooler. This equipment will support the development of a real-time respirable crystalline silica monitor. The solicitation specifies three required products to be delivered to NIOSH's facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: a LaserTune-S package with a Block QCL Tuner, an MCT VIGO IR Detection Module, and a VIGO Thermocooler. This is a firm-fixed-price, FOB Destination procurement with a required delivery timeline of within 120 calendar days after contract award. Although the government intends to negotiate this acquisition on a sole-source basis with Block Engineering LLC, it will consider capability statements or quotations from other responsible sources. Submissions are evaluated on technical compliance with specifications, delivery feasibility, price reasonableness, and vendor responsibility. The procurement incorporates standard federal clauses, including Buy American provisions, Section 508 electronic accessibility standards, and strict federal records management obligations. Additionally, it features a specialized "Artificial Intelligence Compliance and Risk Management Plan" clause. If vendors plan to utilize AI in contract performance, they must submit a compliance plan detailing risk management, bias mitigation, and data portability safeguards for evaluation on a pass/fail basis. Quotations and capability responses must be submitted electronically to the CDC by September 23, 2026.

This document is an "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Compliance and Risk Management Plan" template issued by the CDC/HHS. It is designed for government contractors who plan to, or may, utilize AI technologies during contract performance when the primary deliverable itself is not an AI system. The form acts as a compliance questionnaire to identify and mitigate risks associated with AI integration. It requires contractors to detail the AI tool's background, classification (such as Generative AI or Machine Learning), and whether its use is required or optional. Contractors must disclose ownership, technical support contacts, hosting environments (including FedRAMP authorization status), and the specific types of government data the system will process, store, or transmit. Additionally, the plan assesses whether the AI use is "high-impact"—meaning it could materially affect individual rights, health, safety, or principal agency decisions. It mandates that contractors outline their quality assurance safeguards, human-in-the-loop review processes, and monitoring procedures for data leaks, drift, or prompt injection. Finally, the document features a mandatory contractor affirmation section. By signing, the contractor commits to using AI only with Contracting Officer approval, protecting government data from unauthorized model training, and complying with all applicable federal privacy, security, civil rights, and records management requirements.