University of Arizona #S342606

University of Arizona Solicitation for Optical Interference Filters for Lazuli Space Observatory

This opportunity involves the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory seeking vendors to manufacture and deliver high-precision optical interference filters for the Lazuli Widefield Context Camera (WCC), a flight instrument for the Lazuli Space Observatory. - Government Buyer: - Arizona Board of Regents, University of Arizona, Steward Observatory, Supply Chain Services - Products Requested: - Optical interference filters for astronomy, including: - Sloan-u, Sloan-g, Sloan-r, Sloan-i, Sloan-z broadband filters (rectangular 49x35mm and round 34mm) - Ultra broadband filters (rectangular and round, 415-900nm/1100nm, >90% peak transmission) - Narrowband filters: H-alpha (1.0nm, 6.0nm, 17.0nm FWHM), HeII (6.0nm FWHM), [O III] (3.0nm FWHM) - Quantities per filter type range from 2 to 8 units - All filters must meet strict optical, mechanical, and coating specifications (see Exhibit A) - Services Required: - Coating, inspection, testing, and verification of all filters - Provision of witness samples, coating coupons, inspection reports, and test data - Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR) prior to fabrication - Packaging and labeling to preserve optical cleanliness and ensure safe shipment - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Filters must comply with durability standard MIL-C-48497A - All requirements must be met over the clear aperture - Vendors must demonstrate compliance through specified optical testing methods - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; open to qualified manufacturers - Intended for use with 15 CMOS and 8 qCMOS sensors (23 total) for science observations

Description

The Arizona Board of Regents, on behalf of the University of Arizona, is soliciting proposals for the manufacture and delivery of optical interference filters for the Lazuli Widefield Context Camera (WCC). The selected supplier will manufacture filters according to technical specifications, perform coating, inspection, testing, and verification, supply witness samples and coating coupons, provide inspection reports and test data, conduct a Manufacturing Readiness Review, and package and label hardware for shipment. A non-mandatory conference is scheduled for August 13, 2026, and the proposal response deadline is August 31, 2026, at 2:30 pm MST.

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