RFI: Excitation Laser for Spectroscopy System

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). There is no solicitation available at this time. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach.

The 10th Contracting Squadron (US Air Force Academy) is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The equipment will serve as the excitation source for an existing Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer in the Physics and Meteorology Department and the Laser and Optics Research Center (LORC).

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS / PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors must demonstrate their capability to provide a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that meets or exceeds the following minimum salient characteristics:

1. System Compatibility: Must be fully compatible with the existing Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer, allowing it to be natively controlled by the LP980 software.


2. Pulse Energies: Minimum of 850 mJ at 1064 nm; minimum of 430 mJ at 532 nm; and minimum of 230 mJ at 355 nm.


3. Beam Diameter: 8 to 10 mm.


4. Harmonic Generation: Must include detachable, temperature-stabilized harmonic generation modules to generate 532 nm and 355 nm wavelengths with automatic phase matching.


5. Optics: Must include wavelength separation optics, a beam dump, and a beam attenuator.


6. Repetition Rate & Duration: Pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz and pulse durations of 3-6 ns.


7. Flashlamp Requirements: Flashlamp must include a 100 million shots warranty. System must provide easy access to the flashlamp and water filters (with two sets of replacements included) and allow replacement of the flashlamp without requiring cavity realignment.


8. Cooling: Must utilize water-to-air cooling (self-contained).


9. Power: Must operate on a standard 110 V power requirement.


10. Delivery: Shipping must be included to the US Air Force Academy, CO 80840.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested parties that consider themselves qualified to provide this equipment are invited to submit a Capability Statement. The Capability Statement must include the following information:

1. Company Profile: Company name, address, point of contact, phone number, email address, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and SAM expiration date.


2. Business Size/Status: Identify your business size under NAICS code 334516 (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, Women-Owned, etc.).


3. Technical Capability: A brief description of the proposed product(s) that meet the salient characteristics, specifically highlighting seamless software and hardware compatibility with the Edinburgh Instruments LP980 spectrometer. Provide product data sheets or commercial brochures if available.


4. Existing Contracts: Identify if the product is available on any existing Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC), GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), or other existing purchasing vehicles.

RESPONSE DEADLINE

Responses should be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer:

Tammy Martin, tammy.martin.6@us.af.mil.

Responses are due no later than 10:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) on June 8, 2026.

DISCLAIMER: This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of any government assessments.