Wavelength Swept Light Source for Photonic Thermometry
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), specifically the Fundamental Thermodynamics group, has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a Wavelength Swept Light Source for Photonic Thermometry. This instrument is critical for the Standard Photonic Thermometer (SPoT) project, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort funded by NIST-on-a-Chip (NOAC) and the U.S. Air Force. Responses are due by April 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) high-speed swept laser to develop cost-efficient and deployable photonic readout systems for next-generation chip-scale photonic temperature metrology. This laser is a mission-critical component for the SPoT project, which aims to replace Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers (SPRTs).
Minimum technical specifications for the high-speed swept laser include:
- Modulation output light centered at 1550 nm.
- Sweep frequency of 150 Hz or more.
- Tunable sweep range from 15 nm to 70 nm.
- Coherence length of 100 m or more.
- CW, single, longitudinal mode oscillation with mode-hop free operation.
- Average output optical power of no less than 10 mW.
- Pre-aligned 9/125 µm single-mode fiber with FC/APC connector.
- USB control interface and benchtop format.
- Required software, Labview drivers, and Python scripts must be included.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Published Date: April 9, 2026
- Response Due: April 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET
- Questions Due: April 13, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Evaluation
This is a market research effort. Responses will be reviewed to inform NIST's future solicitation requirements. This notice is not a request for quotation, and responses will not be considered proposals or quotations. No award will be made as a result of this notice.
Additional Notes
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the Primary Point of Contact, Cielo Ibarra (cielo.ibarra@nist.gov). Responses should include company details (name, address, contact, UEI), capabilities meeting/exceeding requirements, past experience, identification of restrictive requirements, small business status, existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and any other valuable market research information. Proprietary information should not be included.