Sources Sought for Advanced Photodetectors
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought notice for Advanced Photodetectors. This is market research to identify potential sources capable of manufacturing an advanced hyperspectral photodetection system for flow cytometers. The place of performance is Gaithersburg, MD. Responses are due by May 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NIST is conducting market research to identify commercial products and services that can satisfy their anticipated needs for microscale measurement science and technology, specifically related to Critical and Emerging Technologies (CETs) in Biotechnology. The primary goal is to find an advanced hyperspectral photodetection system suitable for integration into flow cytometers.
Key Requirements
NIST is seeking an advanced photodetector module with the following technical specifications:
- Detector Format: Multichannel (e.g., photomultiplier tube, avalanche photodiode, silicon photomultiplier, or hybrid).
- Spectral Sensitivity: 450 nm to 750 nm.
- Peak Photon Detection Efficiency: ≥ 10%.
- Bandwidth: ≥ 500 kHz.
- Readout Noise: ≤ 10 mV p-p.
- Dynamic Range: ≥ 10,000.
- Spectral Channels: ≥ 16 channels, each detecting a non-overlapping bin of wavelength with a bin width ≤ 20 nm.
- Max Voltage Output: 500 mV to 10 V per channel.
- Features: Includes power supply and tunable amplification gain, with a gain range for resolving fluorescence intensities between 10^2 MESF and 10^5 MESF.
- Input: Accepts fiber optic input with SMA905 connector, fiber NA ≥ 0.1, and core diameter ≥ 105 µm.
Submission Details
- Response Format: Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format.
- Content: Must include company information (name, address, contact, UEI), equipment details (manufacturer, model, technical specs), performance capabilities, customization options, U.S. manufacturing status, small business status, available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms of sale, pricing, existing contract vehicles, and public/private sector customers.
- Page Limit: Responses shall not exceed 25 pages, including attachments.
- Deadline: Submit by email to Forest Crumpler (forest.crumpler@nist.gov) by May 29, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Respondents must be registered and "active" in SAM.gov. While no specific set-aside is designated for this market research, respondents are asked to indicate their small business status for NAICS code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies).
Important Notes
This is solely a market research notice and not a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Responses will not be considered an adequate response to any future solicitation. NIST reserves the right to use the provided information for any purpose deemed necessary.