Tunable Laser System with Reference Wavemeter for Wavelength Scanning and Locking

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides the government's response to vendor questions and extends the response deadline.

• Wavelength Measurement Resolution: The government clarifies that achieving the 5 MHz wavelength measurement resolution requirement through averaging approximately 50 samples (resulting in a ~5 ms measurement time) is acceptable. Single-shot 5 MHz resolution is not an absolute requirement.

• Response Deadline Extended: The deadline to submit responses has been extended to May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the solicitation provisions and clauses applicable to the opportunity. It details which provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text. It also includes specific provisions and clauses that are presented in full text.

• FAR 52.252-1 & 52.252-2: These provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference. Bidders can request full text or access it via provided links. Bidders must complete required blocks for provisions submitted with their offer.

• FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate: Requires bidders to certify if end products are domestic and contain critical components. Bidders must list foreign end products and domestic end products with critical components.

• CAR 1352.215-72 Inquiries: All questions must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist (Ranae Armstrong) and cc'd to the Contracting Officer (Don Collie) via email. Questions are due three calendar days after solicitation issuance and responses will be provided in an amendment.

• CAR 1352.233-70 & 1352.233-71: Details procedures for filing agency protests and GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests, including required service upon the Contracting Officer and the Contract Law Division.

• FAR 52.212-4 Terms and Conditions: Covers standard commercial item contract terms including definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment, risk of loss, taxes, termination (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, and Comptroller General examination of records.

• CAR 1352.246-70 Place of Acceptance: Specifies that acceptance of supplies and services will occur at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• NIST LOCAL 53 Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status: Provides guidance on contractor responsibilities during changes in NIST operating status, including checking campus status lines and procedures during lapses in appropriation.

• Billing Instructions: Invoices must be submitted electronically to INVOICE@NIST.GOV, including specific required information. Payment requests may be superseded by instructions to use the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) system.

• Inquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer via email.

• Questions are due within three calendar days of solicitation issuance.

• Responses to questions will be included in a solicitation amendment.

• Agency and GAO/Court of Federal Claims protest procedures are detailed.

• Several provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference with authorized deviations (indicated by "DEVIATION").

• Bidders are cautioned to review all incorporated provisions and clauses, as they may contain blocks to be completed.

• Specific contact information for inquiries and protest submissions is provided.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The government is seeking quotations for a "Tunable laser with reference wavemeter for wavelength scanning and locking." This opportunity is being competed as full and open competition.

• Item: CLIN 0001: Tunable laser with reference wavemeter for wavelength scanning and locking.

• Quantity: 1

• Statement of Work (SOW): Detailed requirements are provided in an attached Statement of Work document.

• Delivery: Date(s), place(s) of delivery and acceptance, and FOB point are required as per the SOW.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) anticipated.

• Acquisition Procedures: Simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on 05/07/26.

• Submission Method: Via email to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov with a copy to Donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries Deadline: Written questions must be received by 05/04/26.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced, technically acceptable quote. Technical capability and price are the evaluation factors.

• Award Basis: Lowest priced, technically acceptable offer. The government may award without discussions based solely on initial quotes.

• NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1000.

• SAM.gov Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and through final payment.

• Quotation Structure: Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Technical Volume: Must include technical description/product literature clearly documenting compliance with specifications, manufacturer details, country of origin, authorization to sell (if applicable), and confirmation of delivery, installation, training, and warranty capabilities.

• Price Volume: Must include solicitation number, POC information, Unique Entity Identifier, firm fixed price per line item, aggregate price, and shipping/delivery costs.

• Terms and Conditions Volume: Must address any exceptions to the solicitation's terms and conditions.

• No FSS/GWAC: This procurement is not under GSA Federal Supply Schedule or GWAC. If an FSS/GWAC is used for pricing, the solicitation's terms and conditions will govern the award.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD) requires a tunable laser system with a reference wavemeter for wavelength scanning and locking to support new capabilities in single-defect spectroscopy and optical control for quantum networking.

The contractor shall deliver one (1) Tunable laser system with a reference wavemeter. This includes FOB Destination delivery and a 12-month warranty.

• Product: New, non-experimental, non-prototype, non-custom tunable laser with reference wavemeter.

• Technical Specifications:

  • Continuous lasing output.
  • Wavelength tuning range: 861 nm ± 10 nm or broader.
  • Fiber-coupled output power: ≥ 25 milliwatts.
  • Optical linewidth: ≤ 100 kilohertz.
  • Mode-hop-free tuning range: ≥ 30 gigahertz.
  • Wavelength measurement resolution: 5 megahertz or better.
  • Ability to lock laser source to a user-set fixed wavelength.
  • Includes necessary electronics and communication ports (USB, TCPIP, or similar).

• Packaging: Original manufacturer’s packaging with all documentation and software.

• Item: Tunable laser with reference wavemeter for wavelength scanning and locking.

• Quantity: One (1).

• Lead Time: No later than twenty-six (26) weeks after receipt of order (ARO).

• Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301 (Shipping & Receiving), C/O TBD Building 217, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640.

• Terms: FOB Destination (or equivalent, e.g., Delivered Duties Paid).

• Deadline: Not later than 26 weeks ARO.

• Government will perform performance tests on test samples.

• Onsite inspection and acceptance within two (2) weeks of receipt.

• Visual inspection for defects or transport damage.

• Government reserves the right to reject non-conforming or damaged equipment at no cost to the Government.

• Minimum of 1 year after acceptance of the equipment.

• Advanced payment is not authorized.

• Invoices submitted in arrears.

• Payment upon receipt of a proper invoice.

• Partial shipments/invoices not accepted unless approved by Contracting Officer prior to award.

• Proposed payment schedules must be submitted with vendor responses.