1071 nm Fiber Amplifier

The National Institute of Standards and Technology within the Department of Commerce is conducting market research through a sources sought notice for two ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers operating at 1071 nm to support a trapped-ion atomic clock laser system at its Boulder, Colorado facility. This notice, identified by solicitation number NB688000-26-02416, is explicitly not a request for quotation or proposal and does not obligate the government to award a contract. Respondents must submit a capability statement of no more than four pages via email to Lisa Stevens, the designated contract specialist, by the July 31, 2026 deadline. The amplifiers must deliver an adjustable output power up to 5 watts with an input power range of 1–5 mW, maintain a signal-to-ASE noise ratio of at least 50 dB, achieve a polarization extinction ratio of no less than 20 dB, and incorporate safety interlocks to prevent ASE pulsing during input loss. The government will furnish the 1071 nm input laser, and vendors must demonstrate compatibility with this component. Delivery must occur within 16 to 18 weeks after contract award, with final delivery required directly to the NIST Boulder facility. Country of manufacture must be clearly indicated, with preference given to U.S.-made products, and foreign nationals require 30-day preregistration for on-site access. The NAICS code 334516 applies, and small business set-aside eligibility is under consideration, though no socioeconomic certification or UEI/CAGE code is required at this pre-solicitation stage. Packaging, inspection, and acceptance criteria remain general, with no formal MIL-STDs referenced, but product marking must include serial numbers and NIST property identifiers. No pricing data, CLINs, evaluation factors, or contract value is available since this phase is strictly for market research to determine acquisition strategy, including potential use of small business set-asides, commercial solutions, or future solicitation methods.