Tunable Telecom Laser
ID: NB672030-25-02187Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYDEPT OF COMMERCE NISTGAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, USA

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

PSC

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES MEASURING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS (6625)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking quotations for a Tunable Telecom Laser under solicitation number NB672030-25-02187. The procurement requires a laser with specific technical specifications, including a nominal wavelength of 1532 nm, a minimum tuning range of 10 nm, and various performance metrics such as low linewidth and high optical power, intended for use in quantum networking devices. This opportunity is significant for advancing research in telecommunications and quantum technologies. Interested vendors must submit their proposals electronically to Clifford Nicholson at clifford.nicholson@nist.gov by the specified closing date, ensuring compliance with all outlined requirements, including technical and past performance documentation.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NIST's Communications Technology Laboratory, Radio Frequency Technology Division, Highspeed Measurements Group requires a Tunable Telecom Laser (Quantity: 1) for quantum networking devices. The laser must have a nominal wavelength of 1532 nm, a minimum 10 nm tuning range, instantaneous linewidth < 1 kHz, short-term linewidth < 10 kHz, and phase noise < 20 Hz/Hz1/2 at 1 MHz offset. Other specifications include mode-hop free tuning, a single-mode PM fiber delivery system, > 45 dB optical isolation, > 80 mW optical power, a high-speed locking system, and a benchtop unit with manual and remote control. Delivery is required at NIST-Boulder, and acceptance testing will take 21 business days to conduct performance tests.
    This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (NB672030-25-02187) for a Tunable Telecom Laser, issued as an RFQ under FAR Part 13. The solicitation is unrestricted, with NAICS 334516. Offerors must submit a technical volume (max 5 A4 pages) detailing compliance with specifications, a past performance volume (max 5 A4 pages) for recent and relevant contracts, and a firm fixed price. Evaluation factors are Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price, with non-price factors being significantly more important. Offers must include FAR 52.212-3 representations and certifications. All items must be new. The contract will be a single award, firm-fixed-price purchase order. Submissions are due electronically to clifford.nicholson@nist.gov by the specified closing date.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Communications Technology Laboratory at NIST for a Tunable Telecom Laser. The primary need is for an ultra-low noise, single frequency laser with a nominal wavelength of 1532 nm, crucial for the operation of quantum networking devices being developed at NIST. Key specifications include a minimum tuning range of 40 nm, an instantaneous linewidth of less than 100 kHz, mode-hop free tuning greater than 10 GHz, and an optical power of over 50 mW, among other technical requirements. The document also details procurement support information, including shipping requirements to NIST in Boulder, CO, and inspection timelines, which anticipate a performance test period extending beyond 7 business days. There are no installation, training, warranty, or maintenance requirements specified. This RFP highlights the commitment of the federal government to advance quantum technology through precise specifications for critical hardware, ensuring that the necessary tools are available for successful research and operational testing of innovative quantum networking systems.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Tunable Telecom Laser
    Currently viewing
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information regarding a Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System to fulfill specific technical requirements. The desired system must include a pump laser, signal and idler laser outputs with defined tunable ranges and power, control electronics compatible with U.S. power and Windows PCs, as well as a high-accuracy wavelength meter and stabilization controls. This procurement is crucial for advancing analytical laboratory capabilities, and interested vendors are encouraged to submit their company details, equipment specifications, and service offerings by email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov by October 31, 2022. This notice serves as market research and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.
    Ultraviolet Pulsed Laser Head
    Commerce, Department Of
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to identify potential sources for an ultraviolet 266-nm pulsed laser head compatible with its existing time-resolved photoluminescence system. The procurement aims to replace visible laser heads with a 266 nm pulsed laser for characterizing wide bandgap semiconductor materials such as GaN or SiC, requiring specific performance capabilities including picosecond pulses and an average power of at least 1 mW at a repetition frequency of 80 MHz. Interested vendors must submit detailed information about their products, including specifications, customization options, and service offerings, by emailing the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov. This sources sought notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.
    Sources Sought Notice for CHIPS R&D Optical frequency comb, Control electronics
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a Mid-Infrared Femtosecond Laser Source, Femtosecond Laser Control Electronics, and an Ultrastable Laser System as part of its CHIPS Metrology Program. The objective is to enhance measurement science critical to semiconductor manufacturing processes, particularly in plasma etching, by acquiring advanced optical frequency comb diagnostics. This procurement is vital for improving the correlation between reactor inputs and etching outcomes, thereby facilitating the development of next-generation plasma etching processes. Interested manufacturers are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant product information to Tracy Retterer at tracy.retterer@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov, with responses preferred before the closing date, as this notice is for market research purposes only and does not guarantee a contract award.
    Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb Systems to support its CHIPS Metrology Program's Grand Challenge 1. NIST requires three systems for applications in broadband spectroscopy, spectral reference databases, and new laser diagnostics in semiconductor processes, along with an additional system to fill a critical gap in long-wave infrared spectroradiometry and molecular spectroscopy for the space, defense, and satellite industries. Interested vendors are invited to provide information regarding their capabilities, including product specifications, customization options, and available services, while ensuring that proprietary information is not disclosed. Responses should be submitted via email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov, as NIST seeks to gather market insights to inform future procurement decisions.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire Sub-THz VNA extenders and a high-power amplifier to support its CHIPS program focused on high-frequency transistor characterization. The procurement includes specific requirements for WR6.5, WR5.1, and WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders, as well as a D-band waveguide amplifier, all of which are critical for developing a unique microelectronic measurement setup essential for semiconductor testing. This equipment is vital for enhancing measurement capabilities and accelerating the development of next-generation microelectronic devices. Interested vendors must respond by December 23, 2025, with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Twenty-seven (27) semirigid cables, two (2) VNA test cables, ten (10) flexible cables
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for the procurement of twenty-seven (27) semirigid cables, two (2) VNA test cables, and ten (10) flexible cables. These cables are critical for the automated measurement of NIST's standard reference materials related to complex permittivity, supporting the NIST CHIPS program. The sources sought notice outlines specific technical requirements for each cable type, including dimensions, frequency ranges, and connector specifications, and emphasizes that this inquiry is for market research purposes only, with no commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Interested vendors should provide their company information, product details, and pricing to the primary contact, Elizabeth Timberlake, at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov, or the secondary contact, Donald Collie, at donald.collie@nist.gov.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Pump Suppression Module
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire a Pump Suppression Module essential for a new Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) spectrometer as part of its CHIPS project. This module is critical for accurately measuring magnetic materials parameters, which directly supports advancements in magnetic random-access memories (MRAM) and enhances the semiconductor industry's product reliability and performance. The procurement is intended to be fulfilled by Light Machinery, Inc., the only vendor identified that meets the stringent specifications required for the module, including a suppression capability of at least 60 dB and high transmission rates. Interested parties must submit their responses by August 1, 2025, to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Sole Source Justification - Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to procure a Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System through a sole source justification. This procurement aims to acquire specialized laboratory equipment and supplies that are critical for advancing research and development in precision measurement and metrology. The system is essential for various scientific applications, including spectroscopy and telecommunications, where high precision is required. Interested parties can reach out to Daniel Kent at daniel.kent@nist.gov or call 303-497-6533 for further information regarding this opportunity.
    Vector Network Analyzer
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking responses for a Sources Sought notice regarding the procurement of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) to support its semiconductor metrology program. The VNA will be utilized in a project focused on high-power waveform metrology, which is critical for improving the accuracy of RF measurements in semiconductor manufacturing processes. This equipment is essential for establishing traceability in high-power RF signals, thereby enhancing the reliability of measurements that impact chip quality and yield. Interested vendors should contact Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov for further details and submit their responses by the specified deadlines, ensuring they do not include proprietary information.
    Optical Microscope
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking responses to a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of an Optical Microscope. The primary objective is to support the NIST CHIPS Metrology R&D program, which focuses on nondestructive defect detection metrology for semiconductor advanced packaging, requiring a microscope capable of various imaging modes and equipped with advanced features for precision measurements. This procurement is critical for enhancing the accuracy of defect detection in semiconductor failure analysis, with a focus on characterizing defects through precise optical measurements. Interested vendors should submit their capabilities and relevant information to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov by December 15, 2025, while noting that this notice does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.