A -- Compact Solid-State Laser for Portable Sensor Applications

NOTE: THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS BEING RE-RELEASED IN ORDER TO PERMIT INTERESTED CONTRACTORS ADDITIONAL TIME TO SUBMIT THE REQUESTED INFORMATION. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RESPONDED, YOU ARE WELCOME TO RESUBMIT A RESPONSE. This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE; there is no solicitation available at this time. No response will be provided to requests for a solicitation. THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IS PUBLISHED FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking sources for the purchase and/or development and purchase of a compact solid-state laser for portable sensor applications. Both required and desired parameters are presented below. Responders are encouraged to mix and match as they see fit to provide an optimum design. Required key parameters of this laser are (1) pulse length: 10 nsec or less, (2) 50 mJ per pulse, (3) pulse repetition rate (prf): 5 Hz or more, (4) beam quality (BQ): M-squared of 2 or better, (5) continuous operation for one hour or more, (6) laser system comprised of two subsystems; 1) laser head connected by an umbilical to the 2) power unit, (7) laser head dimensions: 2x2x4 inches or smaller, (8) power supply dimensions: 4x6x12 inches or smaller, (9) power supply weight:10 pounds or less, (10) prime power voltage: 12 VDC, and (11) air cooling. While a wavelength of 1064 nm may be the prime choice of vendors, other wavelengths may be acceptable to DTRA. Growth to a more eye-safe wavelength may be required in the future depending on operational considerations. Desired key parameters of this laser are: (1) double-pulse operation preferably with a single rod with the first pulse length of 10 nsec or less and 2nd pulse up to 1 millisecond in duration; the delay between the two pulses user adjustable from 400 nanoseconds to 5 microseconds, (2) up to 100 mJ per each of the double pulses independently adjustable by user, (3) pulse repetition rate (PRF): 10 Hz or more with single-shot double-pulse operation as well, (4) beam quality (BQ): M-squared of 2 or better, (5) continuous operation for one hour or more, (6) system is comprised of two subsystems: 1) laser head connected by an umbilical to the 2) power unit, (7) laser head dimensions: 2x2x4 inches or smaller, (8) power supply dimensions: 4x6x12 inches or smaller, (9) laser head and power supply weight: 10 pounds or less, (10) prime power voltage of 18 VDC, and (11) Shot burst operation at 10 Hz for extended periods within the limit of air cooling system. While a wavelength of 1064 nm may be the prime choice of vendors other wavelengths may be acceptable to DTRA. Growth within a year or two to a more eye-safe wavelength in the 300 nm and/or 1.5 micron region is desired. For some parameters, stated values may be relaxed, in the near-term as long if there is a stated pathway toward reaching stated performance parameters. Sources sought responses shall reflect corporate information and a capability summary reflecting experience related to the above area. Responses are to be limited to no more than five pages. The first page will include company information such as name, point of contact, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, CAGE code, DUNS Number, business size, and small business classification (8(a), HUBZone, etc.), if applicable. The remaining pages will include the title of the capability statement, qualifications and experience in work of this nature, a brief description of proposed laser, model number (if applicable), current status of described laser(s) with parameters list above (with estimated TRL level) primary technical gaps to be filled before delivering proposed laser(s), estimated calendar time required to deliver proposed laser(s), and approximate cost to deliver proposed laser(s) in small quantities as well as cost to deliver in quantities ten times larger. Any information submitted in response to this Sources Sought Notice is strictly voluntary. This synopsis is for information planning purposes and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. Responses shall be submitted no later than 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time on 28 January 2008. Electronic responses are recommended and encouraged, and shall be submitted to Mr. Sampson Jones at Sampson.jones@dtra.mil. Non-electronic responses, though not preferred, may be submitted via facsimile to 703.767.4246 to the attention of Mr. Sampson Jones. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional information is available. Requests for the same will be disregarded. There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, to make award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties in support of any effort in response to this Sources Sought Notice. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract.