RFI: Excitation Laser for Spectroscopy System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The 10th Contracting Squadron (US Air Force Academy) is conducting market research (Sources Sought) to identify potential sources for a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. This laser will serve as the excitation source for an existing Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer in the Physics and Meteorology Department and the Laser and Optics Research Center (LORC). Responses are due by June 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MDT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that meets or exceeds specific salient characteristics:
- System Compatibility: Must be fully compatible with the existing Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer and natively controllable by its software.
- Pulse Energies: Minimum of 850 mJ at 1064 nm; 430 mJ at 532 nm; and 230 mJ at 355 nm.
- Beam Characteristics: 8 to 10 mm beam diameter, 10 Hz repetition rate, and 3-6 ns pulse durations.
- Harmonic Generation: Must include detachable, temperature-stabilized modules for 532 nm and 355 nm wavelengths with automatic phase matching.
- Optics: Must include wavelength separation optics, a beam dump, and a beam attenuator.
- Flashlamp: Requires a 100 million shots warranty, easy access for replacement without cavity realignment, and two sets of replacement flashlamps.
- Cooling & Power: Must utilize self-contained water-to-air cooling and operate on standard 110 V power.
- Delivery: Shipping must be included to the US Air Force Academy, CO 80840.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought Notice (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 Employees)
- PSC Code: 6650 - Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: June 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
- Published: May 31, 2026
Submission Instructions
Interested parties must submit a Capability Statement electronically via email to Tammy Martin (tammy.martin.6@us.af.mil). The statement must include:
- Company Profile: Name, address, point of contact, phone, email, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and SAM expiration date.
- Business Size/Status: Identify business size under NAICS code 334516 (e.g., Large, Small, SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB).
- Technical Capability: A brief description of the proposed product(s) meeting the salient characteristics, specifically highlighting seamless software and hardware compatibility with the Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer. Product data sheets or commercial brochures are requested if available.
- Existing Contracts: Identify if the product is available on any existing Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC), GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), or other purchasing vehicles.
Additional Notes
This is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.