A -- Development of Hybrid Wavelength Calibration Instrument

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with Jonathan Kofler to build and characterize a hybrid wavelength calibration instrument. The work will mostly be conducted at the NIST Boulder Laboratory site in Boulder, Colorado. Because of the complexity of the work to be performed, we require a person who is familiar with NIST hybrid wavelength calibration reference, including writing interleaved, sampled fiber Bragg gratings, designing electronic circuits for controlling the gratings, stabilizing these grating peaks to molecular absorption lines, measuring the peak wavelengths, and modeling subtle effects of instrument resolution on peak wavelength. This knowledge will be used to complete the following tasks:1) Package hybrid wavelength reference into instrument box with basic user interface (components and detailed design provided by NIST). 2) Test hybrid wavelength reference instrument; measure the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) peak wavelengths in the 850, 1300, and 1550 nm regions and begin wavelength stability measurements of selected peaks. 3) Develop a users manual for the hybrid wavelength reference instrument. 4) Complete the wavelength stability measurements of selected peaks, deliver hybrid wavelength reference instrument to the Navy Primary Standards Laboratory (NPSL) in San Diego, and train NPSL personnel in the use of the instrument. 5) Develop apparatus to write more symmetric FBG peaks. 6) Write and characterize FBGs made with improved writing apparatus. 7) Model and quantify effect of residual FBG asymmetry on hybrid wavelength reference peak determination. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. Based on the market research conducted, Jonathan Kofler is the only vendor who can meet these requirements. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is December 5, 2003.