NIST - Calcium Quadrupole Laser
ID: NB688000-25-01743_Calcium_Quadrupole_LaserType: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking quotations for a Calcium Quadrupole Laser to support research applications within the Ion Storage Group. The procurement requires a continuous wave laser with precise specifications, including a tunable wavelength of 729.3 nm +/- 0.1 nm, an instantaneous linewidth under 10 kHz, and a power output exceeding 350 mW, along with features for low noise operation and mechanical stability. This high-performance laser technology is crucial for advancing research in quantum computing and optical clock experiments. Interested vendors must submit their quotations, demonstrating technical capabilities and compliance with federal regulations, to Matthew Delgado at matthew.delgado@nist.gov, with the RFQ process adhering to the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

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    The Ion Storage Group is requisitioning a calcium quadrupole laser with specific technical specifications for research applications. The laser must be continuous wave (CW), tunable within the wavelength of 729.3 nm +/- 0.1 nm, and capable of maintaining an instantaneous linewidth under 10 kHz along with a mode-hop free tuning range exceeding 5 GHz. It should include a laser diode, a high isolation isolator, and an amplifier to achieve a power output greater than 350 mW, with fiber coupling if the amplifier is standalone. The system must also feature low noise electronics for precise control over laser operations and temperature stabilization, along with support for fast modulation for laser phase locking. Mechanical stability is crucial to minimize drift and enhance alignment, while replacing components like the laser diode should be manageable in-house. Furthermore, enhanced locking electronics are required for maintaining the laser phase with a reference source. This detailed requisition indicates a focus on high-performance laser technology suitable for precision scientific tasks, thereby reflecting the government's commitment to advancing research capabilities in various fields.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Calcium Quadrupole Laser required by the Ion Storage Group at NIST for quantum computing and optical clock experiments. The primary need is for a 729 nm laser with specific performance criteria, including an instantaneous linewidth under 10 kHz and power output exceeding 300 mW. It must be capable of phase locking with a bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, supported by PID locking electronics and a PDH module for modulation. Stability against environmental changes is crucial. The RFP specifies that the vendor should meet all detailed specifications provided in the attached document, and installation, delivery, and training must be completed within 18 weeks after receiving an order. The vendor will also need to provide electronic manuals and warranty information, although training will not be required. Inspection and acceptance of the equipment will be performed by the government within a seven-day timeframe. Overall, the document serves as a structured proposal for acquiring high-precision laser technology necessary for advancing experimental setups in quantum research, emphasizing technical performance and environmental resilience.
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Sources Sought notice to identify potential vendors capable of supplying a Calcium Quadrupole Laser. This notice serves as a market research tool and is not a Request for Proposals or Quotes (RFP/RFQ), meaning there are no commitments from the Government to award contracts at this stage. NIST is interested in responses from both large and small businesses within the context of the Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing industry, as denoted by the NAICS code 334413. Interested U.S. manufacturers are invited to submit electronic capability statements that should include their company's name, manufacturing details, country of origin for the product, relevant experience, typical lead times for delivery, and any additional pertinent information. Responses must not exceed four pages and should be sent to the designated Contract Specialist by the specified deadline. Any proprietary information should be marked accordingly. This initiative underlines NIST's effort to understand market capabilities before finalizing its procurement strategy.
    The solicitation NB688000-25-01743 is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Calcium Quadrupole Laser, solicited under FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The RFQ seeks quotations from vendors with a focus on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Prospective offerors are required to demonstrate technical capabilities and provide firm fixed prices, including shipping costs to a specified destination in Boulder, CO. All submissions must meet prescribed guidelines, including compliance with various federal regulations and the inclusion of necessary representations and certifications related to business size and ownership. Offerors must indicate their registration status in the System for Award Management (SAM). The document outlines specific evaluation factors, emphasizing technical capability and pricing. Additionally, it incorporates clauses addressing the prohibition of contracting with entities engaged in certain telecommunications activities and mandates that products are sourced in compliance with U.S. manufacturing laws. The completion of the RFQ process requires attention to comprehensive detail to ensure all requirements are fulfilled, ultimately aiding in the acquisition of the specified laser equipment.
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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