The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Vescent Photonics, Inc., Denver, CO, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting From a Single Source, a monolithic semiconductor laser with the following specifications:

Frequency-tunable laser system for laser cooling rubidium
Power: 50 mW or greater
Linewidth: 1 megahertz or below
Vibration insensitive: Must be monolithic semiconductor laser
Low noise current controller: less than 100 pA/rt(Hz)
Integrated temperature controller
Integrated rubidium spectroscopy module
Integrated peak locking servo (greater than 1 MHz locking bandwidth)
Laser system at 780nm
Mode-hop free tuning ~50GHz
Frequency stabilization to the D2 hyper fine transition of rubidium
Modulated at frequencies above 3GHz
Can be operated on moving platforms

Based on market research, NIST has not identified any other sources that can provide the required product. If NIST identifies no other capable sources by August 13, 2012, NIST will issue a firm-fixed price purchase order on or about September 4, 2012, to Vescent Photonics. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334413, and the size standard is 500 employees.

A determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.

This notice of intent is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ). No solicitation package will be issued. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to [email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored.