SAM #SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048

Sources Sought for Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System for AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Sensors Directorate, Electro-Optical Electro-Physics Division (AFRL/RYMM) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is seeking information from small businesses about their ability to provide a turnkey Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System. - Government Buyer: - Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - Sensors Directorate, Electro-Optical Electro-Physics Division (AFRL/RYMM) - Product Requested: - Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System - Single-photon detection across 700 nm to 2100 nm wavelengths - High detection efficiency (80% near-infrared, 60% extended infrared) - 100 ps timing resolution - Low dark count rates (~1000 counts per second) - Multiple detection channels - Fiber-coupled inputs - Closed-cycle cryogenic cooling - Integrated control software - Calibration support - All necessary peripherals and safety compliance - Quantity: - 1 complete system - Unique Requirements: - Turnkey, fully integrated solution - Must support advanced defense applications (LADAR, Lasercom, ISR, tactical sensing) - Designed for experimental research and calibration - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice - This is a Sources Sought notice to assess market capability, not a solicitation or request for quotes

Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a requirement for a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.

This is a Sources Sought (SS).  This is not a presolicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as any commitment by the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract and or pay for any quote preparation costs.  The Government will not accept quotes at this time.  This notice is not an offer by the Government to enter into a contract. Interested Small Business concerns must identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement by closing date listed. Responses will allow the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities in support of requirements identified in the Draft Minimum Requirements Document.

NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

SUBMISSION DETAILS: All interested parties are encouraged to submit a response to this Sources Sought. Responses will be accepted until 2 September 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time and should address the following questions:

1. Company name, cage code, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address

2. Identification of whether the company is currently designated as a Small Business as defined in FAR Part 19.1 and the appropriate category (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.).

3. Company description of relevant capability and experience to provide supplies/services in accordance with the minimum requirements.

Capability package responses and questions shall be sent electronically to Mike Hornberger at michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.” Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files).  Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters.  Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB.  If sending attachments with e-mail, ensure only .PDF, .doc, docx, xls, or .xsls documents are sent.  The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.

View original listing