Sources Sought Frequency Comb
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 to identify potential vendors capable of providing a Frequency Comb. This market research aims to determine eligible business firms and the appropriate acquisition method, including potential Small Business Set-aside opportunities. Responses are due by June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on vendors that can provide an Optical Frequency Comb per detailed specifications. The required comb is for the NIST Physical Measurements Lab/Time and Frequency Division/Ion Storage Group as part of the Chronos initiative. Key technical requirements include:
- Purpose: Measuring frequency ratios between optical clocks and transferring high optical stability (<10^-17 relative stability).
- Wavelength Coverage: 1070 nm, 1156 nm, 1542 nm, extendable to 500 nm - 2100 nm.
- Channels: 6 Optical Output, up to 8 Optical Input (600 nm - 2000 nm), up to 8 RF Output.
- Stability & Accuracy: < 5x10^-18 @ 1 s relative noise; frequency ratio measurements with offsets below 10^-19 at averaging times beyond 10000 s.
- Integrated Phase Noise: < 65 mrad across a bandwidth up to 2 MHz.
- Control: High bandwidth control (> 1 MHz) of repetition rate and carrier-envelope.
- Form Factor: Rack mountable (3U height) with Ethernet connectivity.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Set-Aside: All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered based on market research results. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses.
- Response Due: June 15, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: June 5, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Lisa Stevens (lisa.stevens@nist.gov). Submissions must include:
- Name of the company providing the product(s).
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience in meeting requirements.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Quotation or Proposal and does not commit the Government to a contract. No quotes will be accepted. The information is DRAFT and subject to change. The Government will not pay for information received.