Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, has issued Sources Sought Notice NIST-SS26-CHIPS-13 to conduct market research for the project Optical Impurity Analysis of Semiconductor Gases for Enhanced Quality Systems. The government is seeking to identify potential commercial sources for three Optical Frequency Comb Systems designed to support semiconductor gas analysis, broadband spectroscopy, and spectroradiometry. The required systems must operate within specific infrared wavelength ranges, including mid-wave infrared (approximately 2.6μm to 5μm) and far-wave infrared (approximately 5μm to >15μm), to assist in creating spectral reference databases and establishing traceable calibration protocols for the space, defense, and satellite industries. This notice is strictly for market research purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation or a commitment to award a contract. Interested parties, including small and large businesses, are requested to provide information regarding their company identifiers, manufacturing origins, and product specifications, as well as details on standard terms such as delivery times, warranties, and available support services like installation and training. Respondents are explicitly instructed not to provide proprietary information. While no formal solicitation is currently available, the information gathered will inform future procurement efforts. The response deadline for this notice is December 3, 2026.