Laser Source for Q-Switched Metrology

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a sources-sought action under solicitation number NB686010-26-01559 to identify potential vendors capable of providing a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system for metrology calibration purposes. The primary requirement is a single unit with a Nd:YAG crystal rod gain medium, emitting at 1064 nm with a spectral bandwidth under 0.3 nm, pulse duration under 10 nanoseconds, pulse energy of at least 600 millijoules, and a repetition rate up to 20 Hz. The system must also include a second harmonic generator to produce 532 nm output and a third harmonic generator to produce 355 nm output, with an optional water-to-air heat exchanger. All components must be delivered, installed, and accompanied by training no later than December 31, 2026, at the designated performance location in Boulder, Colorado, 80305. Standard shipping is required, partial deliveries are acceptable, and packaging must be removed without requiring unpackaging or disposal services by the recipient. The procurement is classified under NAICS code 334516 and is not subject to any specific set-aside. Government acceptance will involve powering on the laser to verify output specifications across all wavelengths, with testing anticipated to take up to 21 business days. Vendors must submit separately priced quotes for the base laser system and each of the three optional components. The solicitation is for market research purposes only, and no formal award is anticipated at this stage. All proposals must be submitted by the deadline of June 18, 2026, though the official posting and response deadline listed in the metadata are inconsistent with the UI link showing a June 22 response date; primary point of contact is Deionne Jones at deionne.jones@nist.gov, and the coordinating office is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. No specific FAR clauses, evaluation factors, payment details, or invoicing instructions are provided in the documentation, and no special certifications or representations are required from respondents.