Mid-IR/Far-IR Optical Frequency Comb

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CHIPS R&D Optical frequency comb systems, mid-IR and far-IR, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The solicitation number is 1333ND26QNB030139, and it is an unrestricted competition under NAICS code 334516. Offerors are required to submit firm-fixed-price quotations for long-wave infrared frequency combs, mid-wave infrared frequency combs, comb locking and powering electronics, installation, and transportation. Quotations are due by April 22, 2026, at 11:00 am Eastern Time and must be submitted via email. The submission should include four volumes: Technical, Demonstrated Experience, Price, and Terms and Conditions. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price purchase order based on a best-value approach, where non-priced factors (technical capability and experience) are significantly more important than price.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Material Measurement Laboratory requires three Optical Frequency Comb Systems. These systems are crucial for two projects: the CHIPS Metrology Program, focusing on optical impurity analysis of semiconductor gases for enhanced quality systems, and the Far InfraRed Virtually Imaged Radiometry (FIRVIR) project, addressing spectroradiometry and molecular spectroscopy gaps in the long-wave infrared range for space, defense, and satellite industries. The procurement includes two long-wave infrared frequency combs, one mid-wave infrared frequency comb, and three comb locking and powering electronics systems. The systems must meet specific technical requirements, be new, and not be experimental or prototype. Installation and demonstration are also required. Deliverables are due within 40-44 weeks of award, with installation at NIST Gaithersburg. The contractor must provide a minimum one-year warranty and adhere to strict cybersecurity and privacy requirements, including a system security plan, IT management processes, access controls for sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII), multifactor authentication, vulnerability scanning, auditing, incident response, and encryption of SPII in transit and at rest.

This government file outlines standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses incorporated by reference, primarily from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Manual (CAR). It details requirements for offerors regarding the submission of information, access to full text provisions, and electronic access points. Key clauses address terms and conditions for commercial products and services, including inspection, acceptance, payment, disputes, excusable delays, and termination. Specific provisions cover trade agreements, place of manufacture, and security prohibitions related to telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, and business operations in Sudan and Iran. The document also includes local clauses for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concerning contracting officer representatives, protest procedures (agency, GAO, and Court of Federal Claims), place of acceptance, contract performance during changes in NIST operating status, and electronic billing instructions.