Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire for Infrared Optical Spectrum Analyzer

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to noncompetitively acquire an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for characterizing sensors for drug detection at the infrared wavelength range. The OSA must have continuous spectral coverage over the 1 um to 5.6 um wavelength range at high spectral resolution (2 GHz or better) and a low noise floor of -85 dBm or better. It must also have both fiber and free space input options. • The OSA will be used for spectroscopic detection of drug molecules. • The contractor must provide a combination of broad spectral coverage, high spectral resolution, and low noise floor. • Other sources/vendors cannot provide a combination of all three requirements. • NIST conducted market research and found that only Thorlabs appears to be capable of meeting the requirements.