Sources Sought: USAFA Quantum demonstration/experiment 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 United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing a Quantum demonstration/experiment system. This system is intended to support core instructional, applied research, and workforce development missions in quantum optics, sensing, and information science. The proposed contract is contemplated as a firm-fixed price agreement. Responses are due by June 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT.
Scope of Work
The USAFA Physics Department and Laser and Optics Research Center (LORC) require a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) quantum demonstration/experiment system. This system must be a flexible, high-precision experimental platform supporting foundational and advanced experiments. Key capabilities include single photon detectors, high-resolution time tagging, and integrated digital interfaces for precise control, synchronization, and analysis, essential for experiments involving single photon statistics, coincidence measurements, and quantum state characterization.
Minimum Requirements
The system must be an integrated, modular, scalable, and reconfigurable platform for quantum information science and quantum optics, suitable for academic and research use. It must include:
- Multiple single photon detectors with high quantum efficiency (visible/near-infrared), low dark count rates, and sub-nanosecond timing resolution.
- Support for polarization-entangled photon pairs via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC).
- High-resolution time tagging or time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) electronics capable of multi-channel coincidence detection, picosecond-level timing precision, and high sustained count rates.
- Digital data acquisition and post-processing for correlation and coincidence analysis.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Contract Type (Contemplated): Firm-Fixed Price
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, 10:00 AM MDT
- Published: May 29, 2026
- Place of Performance: USAF Academy, CO 80840
Requested Information
Interested parties should submit a capability statement (max five pages) including:
- Company Information (Name, Address, UEI, CAGE Code, POC).
- Socioeconomic Status (e.g., Small Business, SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone).
- Capability & Experience: Explicit demonstration of capabilities with commercial sales examples and product specifications. Teaming/subcontracting arrangements should be delineated.
- Contract Vehicles: List existing GWACs, GSA FSS, or other relevant contract vehicles.
Submission Instructions
Submit capability statements via email to Dawson Hopkinson (dawson.hopkinson@us.af.mil) and Ken Helgeson (kenneth.helgeson.3@us.af.mil). The email subject line must be: "Sources Sought Response: USAFA Quantum Demonstration/Experiment System - [Your Company Name]".
Disclaimer
This is for market research only and is not a solicitation. Funds are not currently available, and the government is not bound by this notice. No payment will be made for information submitted.