Optical Clock
ID: N0017325RFIEN01Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE NAVYNAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORYWASHINGTON, DC, 20375-5328, USA

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP (AC35)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/0ecb3178f8964ae49b1c2f9a8c2098da/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), is seeking information from qualified sources capable of providing three optical clock units along with a timing architecture for defense-related research and development activities. The optical clocks must generate ultra-stable clock signals, be user-steered, and provide picosecond timing for distribution to remote instruments without requiring special environmental controls. This procurement is crucial for advancing time-domain research and applications within the Department of Defense, with a firm fixed price purchase order anticipated and delivery expected by December 31, 2026. Interested parties should submit their responses by June 20, 2025, to Erica Turner at erica.n.turner9.civ@us.navy.mil, including relevant company information and capabilities.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    RFI N0017325RFIEN01 Salient Characteristics.pdf
    The document outlines the salient characteristics required for an optical clock as part of Request for Information (RFI) N00173-25-RFI-EN01. The primary purpose is to specify the essential physical and functional features of an optical clock needed for defense-related research and development. Key specifications include generating ultra-stable clock signals, user steered capabilities, and picosecond timing distribution for remote instruments. Notably, the optical clock does not require a special environmental chamber for stability, and all components must fit into existing racks. This RFI is part of the federal government's initiatives to gather requirements for advanced measuring and controlling devices suited for national defense purposes.
    RFI N0017325RFIEN01 Salient Characteristics 12 Jun.pdf
    The RFI No. N00173-25-RFI-EN01 outlines the requirements for an optical clock intended for use in defense-related research and development activities. Essential specifications include the ability to generate ultra-stable clock signals that can be user-steered and provide picosecond timing for distribution to other instruments at remote locations. It specifies that the clock must not require a special environmental chamber for stability and that all components must fit within existing racks. This document serves as a preliminary request for information, aiming to gather potential capabilities of vendors in manufacturing devices that meet these technical requirements, driving advancements in time-domain research and applications for the Department of Defense. The request falls under the NAICS code 334519, related to manufacturing measuring and controlling devices.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Optical Clock
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