Aberration-free Imaging Spectrograph

Announcement Type: Special Notice

Classification Code: 6695

Announcement Number: NB685000-25-02046

Subject: Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire Aberration-free Imaging Spectrograph

The National Institute for Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Sensor Science Division (SSD) is involved in the development of a new measurement and calibration capability using a single photon spectroradiometer for calibration of extremely dim light sources such as nano-LEDs, LEDs used for calibration of photon-multiplier tubes, and sphere sources used for calibration of night vision goggles. The single photon spectroradiometer is composed of an aberration-free imaging spectrograph to achieve the highest imaging quality and a single photon digital camera to measure single photon sources. This acquisition is for the aberration-free imaging spectrograph.

This notice is not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued and quotations will not be requested.

This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) via FAR 13.106-1(b). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

The SSD requires an aberration-free imaging spectrograph for development of a spectroradiometer with the highest spectral resolution and single photon detection capability in order to meet the research and calibration needs of the Division. Specifically, NIST requires an aberration-free imaging spectrograph that: 1) is 100 % compatible with Hamamatsu’s Orca-Quest 2 single photon digital cameras for system integration; 2) LabVIEW software for control and data acquisition; 3) aberration-free 320 mm focal length Schmidt-Czerny-Turner imaging spectrograph with superior MTF and spectral resolution; 4) interchangeable motorized triple grating turret with torque-limiting kinematic mount; 5) spectral resolution of 0.065 nm or better at 546 nm with a 1200 groove/mm grating; 6) zero astigmatism at any wavelength with any grating at all points in the focal plane; 7) zero coma at 500 nm with 1200 gr/mm grating; 8) wavelength repeatability of +/- 0.015 nm; 9) motorized or kinematic slit with a slit shutter; and 10) shutter control port from camera at rear of instrument. After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that the aberration-free imaging spectrograph from manufacturer, Teledyne Princeton Instruments, is essential for several reasons:

1. Compatibility: Only Teledyne Princeton Instruments provides an aberration-free imaging spectrograph that is compatible with Hamamatsu’s Orca-Quest 2 single photon digital cameras and also meets all other requirements. Based on market research, other manufacturers do not produce aberration-free imaging spectrographs or their spectrographs do not meet all specifications required by NIST.


2. Technical: The Teledyne Princeton Instruments' aberration-free imaging spectrograph is needed to perform high resolution, accurate measurements and calibration of extremely dim light sources such as nano-LEDs, LEDs used for calibration of photon-multiplier tubes, and sphere sources used for calibration of night vision goggles. This instrument will be used for establishment of the new measurement and calibration capability for single photon level light sources. No other manufacturer meets these requirements. Additionally, Teledyne has no authorized resellers of its products.

NIST conducted market research from April 2025 – June 2025 by internet searches, discussions with sources, and a sources sought posting. Sources sought NIST-SS25-53 was posted from June 10, 2025, through June 18, 2025. One response was received. The results of that market research revealed that only Teledyne Princeton Instruments, 3660 Quakerbridge Road, Trenton, NJ 08169, United States UEI: SRAYE6X6EAL8 appears to be capable of meeting NIST’s requirements.

However, any sources that believe they are capable of meeting NIST’s minimum requirements are encouraged to respond to this notice by the response date to provide the following information at a minimum: Company Unique Entity Identifier number in https://sam.gov; details about what your company is capable of providing that meets or exceeds NIST’s minimum requirements; whether your company is an authorized reseller of the product or service being cited and evidence of such authorization; and any other information that can help NIST determine whether this requirement may be competitively satisfied.