Low-Loss Optical Fiber Connectors

Notice of Intent to Sole Source The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Computing and Communications Theory group intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with Diamond USA Inc., (Diamond USA) to acquire the following IT equipment: 1) 60 patch cords with low-loss optical fiber connectors that are optimized for 1300 nm and 1550 nm; 2) 60 patch cords with low-loss optical fiber connectors that are optimized for 800 nm. Background Information and Basis for Sole Source The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Computing and Communications 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. In addition, the group is planning to develop new schemes and protocols for quantum networking and is planning to perform experiments to test these protocols in the newly developed DC-region Quantum Network (DC-QNet), a collaborative quantum networking effort between government agencies. To allow for low-loss connections between agencies, laboratories and devices, NIST requires low-loss optical fiber connectors that are repeatable and durable. In order to minimize contamination on the surface of the connectors, the connectors should have an auto-cover, i.e. a closing lid to prevent dust or other particles to accumulate on the surface. The purpose of this requirement is to obtain 60 patch cords with low-loss optical fiber connectors that are optimized for 1300 nm and 1550 nm, the standard telecom wavelengths and wavelengths being used in NIST’s quantum network testbed. Additionally, NIST also requires 60 patch cords with low-loss optical fiber connectors that are optimized for 800 nm, a wavelength that is currently used for NIST’s entangled single photon sources. The purpose of these connectors is to demonstrate and achieve low-loss and high-repeatability connections between agencies, labs and devices within the quantum network testbed. These connectors must be self-closing which minimizes the risk of surface contamination with dust particles, which would lead to higher losses and poor repeatability performance. The Government identified only one company (Diamond USA) that can fulfill all of the requirements. After conducting market research and holding correspondence with Diamond USA it was determined that only Diamond USA can provide the requirements and that Diamond USA does not authorize third-party resellers to sell this equipment. The connectors required should be self-closing and have high repeatability. The negative impact of not acquiring Diamond USA’s low-loss optical fiber connectors would be NIST not being able to perform the best-in-the-world measurements on quantum devices and quantum networks, as currently available fiber connectors do not offer the required repeatability and low-loss. Developing our own matching system would cost NIST at least two years of development time plus the associated material purchases. As such, the Government’s intent is to negotiate with Diamond USA Inc., to acquire the aforementioned low-loss optical fiber connectors. General The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 335921- Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing. The small business size standard is 1,000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received by the listed due date, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. 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 on or before the response due date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Seth Kaplan at [email protected]. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at [email protected] no later than the aforementioned due date.