The U.S. Department of Navy's Naval Research Laboratory submitted a justification for using other than full and open competition to procure a Time Tagger X - System & Software from Swabian Instruments, a small business. The estimated cost of the acquisition is between $10,000 and $250,000. The justification is based on the determination that only one source is suitably qualified due to proprietary rights and the necessity for compatibility with the existing tagging system. The required Time Tagger X must meet specific technical specifications to facilitate advanced quantum and dynamical processes research. It is highlighted that no other product can seamlessly integrate with NRL’s existing system or support the simultaneous running of multiple independent experiments. The document contemplates the significant implications for mission capability should this requirement not be solicited from this particular vendor, aligning the acquisition strategy with federal guidelines for sole-source contracts. Overall, the procurement serves to enhance NRL’s research capabilities in quantum optics by upgrading crucial technology under defined urgent conditions.

The document outlines the technical specifications and requirements for procuring time tagger electronics and software, with a point of contact at the U.S. Navy. Key specifications include a maximum RMS jitter of two picoseconds, a 1.5 nanosecond dead time, and a minimum of four input channels, which must be upgradable to at least 12 without requiring service visits. The time tagger should have a data transfer rate of 80 million tags per second over USB, scalable to 1200 million tags per second using FPGA technology. It must support external clock input, provide fully functional software compatible with Python and LabVIEW, and offer free updates for software and firmware. A three-year warranty is also required. This document represents a formal request for proposals, reflecting the U.S. government's aim to acquire advanced time tagging technology for various applications, ensuring that vendors adhere to stringent performance and support criteria while fostering innovation in electronic systems.