optics and optical components to populate/upgrade a particle scattering experiment

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to award a sole source purchase order to Thorlabs Inc. for various optics and optical components. This procurement, identified as Notice of Intent N00173-25-Q-1301266806, is not a request for competitive proposals but rather a notification of intent to award without competition. The purchase will be made using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b), applicable for purchases not exceeding the $250,000 simplified acquisition threshold. The NRL specifies that only Thorlabs Inc. can meet the agency's requirement for populating and upgrading an established particle scattering experiment design. Interested parties may submit statements of interest and capability, but any response must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would benefit the Government. The Government reserves the right to decide whether to conduct a competitive procurement, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs incurred in responding to this notice. The closing date for responses is September 17, 2025, at 0800 hours.