Combined Synopsis/Solicitation- Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a solicitation (RFQ 1333ND26QNB030275) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The acquisition is unrestricted and seeks quotations for a Narrowband Mid-IR laser system and associated services.

• CLIN 0001: Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and repetition rate, including delivery, installation, training, and a 1-year warranty, as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• CLIN 0002: Shipping and handling as per the SOW.

• CLIN 0003: Transportation and related expenses for delivery to the United States (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• Detailed requirements are in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment #1) and NIST Requirements document.

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) using simplified acquisition procedures.

• Quotation prices must remain valid for 90 days.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations due by 10:00 am ET on June 23, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email to nina.lin@nist.gov and tracy.retterer@nist.gov. Reference RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quoter. The government may not evaluate all quotations; they will start with the lowest priced and proceed until a technically acceptable offer is found.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing via email no later than 3 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment.

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, Applicable Provisions and Clauses, and NIST Requirements document.

• FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors) and FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation) apply, with deviations.

• The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To supply, install, and train users on a narrowband, mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate. This laser is intended for use with NIST's photothermal induced resonance setup to enhance advanced AFM metrology for measuring nanoscale thermal properties of materials.

• Deliverable: One (1) Narrowband Mid-IR laser system with tunable wavelength (2.5 μm to 10.0 μm) and tunable repetition rate (100 kHz to 200 kHz, 1 kHz resolution).

• Technical Specifications: The laser must be new, emit collinear light, have a pulse length between 0.1 ns and 10 ns, linewidth < 8 cm-1 (preferred < 4 cm-1), and an average power > 5 mW at 200 kHz. It must include a reference visible alignment laser. Experimental or prototype items are not acceptable.

• Installation: Contractor shall install the system at NIST (Gaithersburg, MD) within 4 weeks of receipt.

• Training: Onsite training for up to 5 NIST users on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting, to be completed within 7 days of installation.

• The system must meet all specified technical requirements.

• Government will perform tests to verify performance.

• Visual inspection for damage during transport.

• Acceptance testing within 14 days of installation.

• Delivery: Within 6 months after receipt of order (ARO).

• Installation: Within 4 weeks from receipt of laser.

• Training: Within 7 days from completion of installation.

• Place of Performance: NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.

• Delivery Terms: FOB Destination (or equivalent DDP).

• Warranty: Minimum of 1 year, covering parts and labor, commencing upon Government acceptance.

• Payment: 100% after successful installation, testing, and demonstration of performance.

• Cybersecurity: Solution must comply with federal laws and NIST SP 800-171, including requirements for system security plans, access controls, vulnerability scanning, auditing, and encryption (TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/3 validated).

• Contractor Personnel: Must comply with NIST safety and security requirements, including obtaining NIST identification badges and registering vehicles.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document lists the solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference or in full text. It provides links to access the full text of these provisions and clauses electronically and specifies which ones require completion by the offeror.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): Lists provisions that must be reviewed and potentially completed by the offeror. Full text is available upon request or via provided links.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): Lists clauses that will be part of the contract. Full text is available upon request or via provided links.
• Specific Clauses and Provisions: A comprehensive list of FAR and local clauses and provisions, many with "(DEVIATION)" indicating modifications. Notable clauses include those related to System for Award Management (SAM), restrictions on subcontractor sales, payment limitations, whistleblower rights, prohibitions on certain agreements, trade agreements, and place of manufacture.
• Full Text Clauses: FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services) is included in full text, detailing definitions, inspection, acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment terms, risk of loss, taxes, termination (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, Comptroller General examination of records, and incorporation by reference.
• NIST Local Clauses: Includes specific NIST clauses regarding contract performance during changes in NIST operating status, electronic billing instructions, and invoicing processing platform requirements.

This document is critical for understanding the legal and regulatory framework of the solicitation. Bidders must review the listed provisions and clauses to ensure compliance, identify any required actions (e.g., representations, certifications, specific submissions), and understand the terms and conditions that will govern any resulting contract. Pay close attention to clauses with "(DEVIATION)" as they may contain modified requirements. The full text of FAR 52.212-4 and the NIST local clauses are essential for understanding contract performance expectations and administrative procedures.