Sources Sought Compact 1156 nm Fiber Laser
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify potential vendors capable of providing a Compact 1156 nm Fiber Laser. This is not a Request for Quotation or Proposal, but an effort to determine the acquisition method and potential small business set-aside opportunities. Capability statements are due by June 26, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NIST seeks information on firms that can provide a Compact 1156 nm Fiber Laser, primarily for portable clocks, as detailed in the attached specifications. The market research aims to identify potential and eligible business firms of all sizes, including small businesses, and U.S. manufacturers. The results will inform NIST's decision on whether to conduct a competitive or non-competitive procurement and if a small business set-aside is appropriate (if at least two qualified small businesses are identified).
Key Requirements
NIST requires two (2) Compact 1156 nm Fiber Lasers with specific technical specifications, including:
- Output Power: >10 mW from PM fiber with APC connector
- Polarization Extinction Ratio: >20 dB
- Wavelength: 1156.839 nm with tuning range >0.35 nm
- Dimensions: Combined laser and controller within 250 mm x 125 mm x 40 mm
- Linewidth: Below 5 kHz at 100 µs integration time
- Warranty: >22 months
- Feedback Option: Slow feedback utilizing PZT based tuning with bandwidth >5 kHz
An optional, separately priced item is two (2) Acoustic-Optical Modulators with a feedback bandwidth >450 kHz, feedback range >±5MHz, and power loss <3.5 dB.
Service requirements include delivery within 12 weeks ARO, installation, warranty details, training, and maintenance plans.
Submission Details
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, including:
- Name of the company providing the product(s).
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications.
No quotes will be accepted at this time. Proprietary information should be marked accordingly.
Set-Aside & NAICS
This is a market research effort to determine potential small business set-aside opportunities. All small business set-aside categories will be considered if applicable. The assigned NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
Timeline & Contact
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM MT
- Published: June 12, 2026
- Contact: Angela Hitt, Contract Specialist (angela.hitt@nist.gov)