SAM #NIST-SSN-NOI-26-01598

NIST Sources Sought and Intent to Sole Source: PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S Time Tagger System

This opportunity involves the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeking sources for a highly specialized time tagger system for quantum network research. - Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce - Product: PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S Time Tagger System - 5-channel streaming time tagging unit - Less than 4 picosecond timing precision - Direct White Rabbit synchronization - Upgradable to 8 channels - 1 picosecond time resolution - Includes full software package and development kit (Matlab, Python, Labview, C++) - Lifetime software/firmware updates - Warranty: At least 12 months, parts and labor, per OEM terms - OEM: PicoQuant GmbH (Germany) - US Distributor: PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. (UEI: V23CHJYP3J55) - Delivery: FOB Destination to NIST, Gaithersburg, MD - Compatibility: Must integrate with existing NIST research platforms - Procurement Type: Combined sources sought and intent to sole source - Alternate sources may respond if all requirements are met - Estimated delivery: Within 20 weeks after order - Commercial opportunity for vendors offering equivalent systems meeting all technical and integration requirements

Description

Purpose This is a combined sources sought notice and notice of intent to sole source, not a request for a quotation. NIST is seeking information from sources that may be capable of providing a solution that will achieve the essential requirements included in the “Description” section below.  If no alternate sources are identified, the Government intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis with PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. (UEI: V23CHJYP3J55) located at 54 Kane St, Springfield, MA 01119. PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. is a domestic subsidiary of PicoQuant, GmbH. PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc. distributes the HydraHarp 500S, which is manufactured by PicoQuant GmbH, located in Germany, a non-domestic origin. This action will be conducted under the authority of FAR RFO Part 12.102(a) and 41 USC 1901, allowing the Contracting Officer (CO) to solicit from one source. The system shall be delivered to NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, FOB Destination, within 20 weeks after receipt of an order, fully meeting the minimum requirements identified below.  Description The Contractor shall provide one PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S time tagger, 5 channel streaming time tagging system with less than 4 ps timing precision (rms jitter) including a full software package, manufactured by PicoQuant, GmbH, located in Germany, for use with an existing HydraHarp at NIST used in the development of a measurement test suite for quantum network component and protocol testing, verification, and characterization. 

Line Item 0001: Description: HydraHarp500S, Stand Alone USB interface, 1-Sync + 4-Detector channels Time tagging unit, (PN: 931060) & Software.  Quantity: One (1) The PicoQuant HydraHarp 500S & Software time tagger for single photon counting shall consist of the following specifications:  •    1-sync channel and 4-detector channels (5 channels total) •    Direct White Rabbit synchronization capability through integrated White Rabbit interface •    Channel deadtime < 680 ps for edge trigger •    Channel deadtime < 6.8 ns with constant fraction discrimination •    Total sustained count rate, sum over all input channels at least 80 Mcps •    Upgradable to 8-detector channels •    1ps time resolution •    Constant fraction discriminator per channel •    Full software package, to include development kit with programming examples for implementation into Matlab, Python, Labview and C++, and lifetime software and firmware updates. •    Warranty: The contractor shall warrant the entire system in accordance with the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s commercial item warranty terms and conditions, to include at minimum parts and labor for 12 months. 

Background The NIST Quantum Information Theory group applies expertise in mathematical subdisciplines such as combinatorics, graph theory, network science, operations research, optimization, discrete nonlinear dynamics, computational geometry, quantum mechanics, and information theory.  Researchers apply their knowledge and skills in areas such as the fundamental models of physics, chemistry, biology, and information systems, complex systems analysis, pattern recognition, and quantum computing and communications.  In collaboration with NIST and outside scientists, the group develops, analyzes, and applies related mathematical methods and tools for critical problems of measurement science at NIST, and develops mathematical foundations for the measurement science of information systems. 

The time tagging unit will be used for single photon counting and will assist with NIST’s research of developing a measurement test suite for quantum network component and protocol testing, verification, and characterization. The test suite will be implemented on the NIST campus along with a fiber network dedicated to quantum optical signal transfer between various quantum network nodes. An extensive software and data acquisition library has been written by NIST researchers for conducting experiments using existing, government-owned PicoQuant HydraHarp systems operated at NIST. The current requirement for a HydraHarp 500S System is required for purposes of continuity of research and compatibility with existing equipment manufactured by PicoQuant, GmbH.

Market research was conducted in April and May, 2026. Market research included identifying sources of supply that produce or distribute PicoQuant or HydraHarp brand equipment. One available source is identified as PicoQuant Photonics North America, Inc, which is the sole and exclusive distributor of PicoQuant, GmbH manufactured equipment and consumables for US government facilities. For purposes of continuity of science and compatibility with existing equipment and previous research results, the HydraHarp500S is required to use on NIST’s existing research platforms in which the results would not be comparable to results produced from experiments using other time tagging units not produced by Picoquant, GmbH.  How to Respond to this Notice Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing by or before the response date for this notice. This is a combined sources sought notice and notice of intent to sole source and is not a solicitation. 

Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Mr. Hunter Tjugum, Contract Specialist, at Hunter.Tjugum@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted via email to hunter.tjugum@nist.gov so that they are received no later than June 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

Each response should include the following Business Information:

a.    Contractor Name, Address,  b.    Point of Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email address c.    Contractor UEI  d.    Contractor Business Classification (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, hubZone, veteran owned, etc.) as validated in System for Award Management (SAM). All offerors must have an active registration in www.SAM.gov.  e.    Capability Statement describing what your company is capable of providing to meet the Government’s needs

Important Notes The information received in response to this notice will be reviewed and considered so that the NIST may appropriately solicit for its requirements in the near future. This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the NIST to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. This notice is not a request for a quotation. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotations. No award will be made as a result of this notice.  NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. NIST reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and appropriate. Thank you for taking the time to submit a response to this request!

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