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Terahertz Camera System

Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability

Agency: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY (1341) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 6640 | Last Modified: 08/06/2024

Procurement Summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) Sensor Science Division (SSD) is responsible for advancing the measurement science, standards, and applications for sensing optical power, temperature, humidity, pressure, vacuum, flow, and related physical phenomena to support U.S. industry and trade. The SSD develops radiometers for quantifying the power of light in different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the infrared and terahertz ranges. For sensing light in these regions outside of the visible spectrum, specialized cameras and specialized optics are required for capturing images. In addition to the camera, a terahertz lens and terahertz optical filter is necessary to make the camera system fully functional. The camera must be capable of capturing images in the terahertz frequency range, which can be used for viewing beams of terahertz radiation in our experiments. The SSD develops instruments and optical systems in the frequency range from 3 THz to 20 THz and requires a camera that can be used for characterization and alignment of the terahertz beams used in this research. In addition to the requirement for responsivity in the frequency range from 3 THz to 20 THz, the camera must have sufficient sensitivity to image the low power signals often used in SSD experiments.

Waiver Rationale Summary

Consistent with market research results, no domestic product has been identified that can meet the Government's requirements. The required teraherz camera is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities, of satisfactory quality. No domestic manufacturer has been identified that can meet the minimum requirement.

Did / Will the solicitation include one of the standard BAA provisions announcing the agency’s intention to provide a price preference for domestic end products and construction material?

Yes

Was a sources sought or Request for Information issued?

Yes

OMB Determination

Consistent with Policy

Product

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

NAICS

334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Date Submitted

08/01/2024

Procurement Instrument Identifier (PIID)

Solicitation ID

1333ND24QNB680356

Procurement Stage

Post-solicitation

Expected Maximum Duration of the Proposed Waiver

Instant Delivery Only

Waiver Coverage

Individual Waiver

Funding Agency

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY