Intent to Sole Source Keysight PIC

Montana State University is pursuing a sole source acquisition of a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) testing system from Keysight Technologies Inc. through a non-competitive procurement process, with a total contract value of $139,229.38. The procurement, identified by solicitation number StateOfMontana-MSU-SolSour-2026-0837, was posted on June 12, 2026, and responses are due by June 26, 2026. The system must meet stringent technical specifications including wavelength sweep capabilities from 1490 to 1640 nm, dual-channel optical power detection with a dynamic range of +10 dBm to −80 dBm, sub-micron (≤0.5 µm) alignment precision, polarization synthesis for TE and TM states, and dual microscope cameras with ±55° vertical rotation. The deliverable includes a fully integrated PIC testing station with ±4 pm wavelength accuracy, ±1 pm repeatability, a PIC chip, and a training module for standardized use by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. While the procurement is structured as a sole source opportunity with no competitive bidding, vendors may respond if they can demonstrate equivalent capability by submitting a detailed written description of their product or service through the eMACS portal. No formal evaluation factors, weights, or scoring criteria are outlined since competition is not anticipated. The place of performance is implied to be Montana State University, though no specific location is provided. Payment terms are net 30 days with no detailed remittance or accounting data included. Key contacts for vendor inquiries include Jeni Luft and Heather Modroo, both affiliated with Montana State University Procurement & Contract Services. No FAR clauses, packaging requirements, inspection criteria, or socioeconomic certifications are mandated, and the process relies solely on narrative responses submitted via eMACS to validate technical equivalency.