The sole source determination is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) requirement for laser linewidth, output power, and low noise current supplies and locking electronics. NIST has a requirement for two diode laser systems with > 40 mW of laser power and linewidth <2 MHz on resonance with the Rb D2 transition at 780.24 nm. NIST also requires the laser diode current controller to have current noise density of less than 100 pA/√Hz above 1 kHz measured on a 200 mA scale and a high-speed (10 MHz) laser servo included with full user-control of the loop filter parameters.

Based on market research Vescent Photonics, Inc. is the only vendor that can meet NIST's required specifications of low-noise laser diode current controller as well as the service system for locking the last to the atomic resonance. Delivery shall be 60 days after receipt of award.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide equipment that fully meets the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. This substantiating documentation must include a measurement of the current noise density measured in A/√Hz down to a frequency of at least 1 kHz measured for at least a 200 mA current. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.