SOLICITATION NOTICE
66 -- Four (4) Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) and one (1) Cryogenic System with corresponding electronics
- Notice Date
- 9/27/2017
- Notice Type
- Justification and Approval (J&A)
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W911QX) Adelphi, 2800 POWDER MILL RD, ADELPHI, Maryland, 20783-1197, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20783-1197
- Solicitation Number
- W911QX-17-T-0239
- Archive Date
- 10/26/2017
- Point of Contact
- Christine Chase, Phone: 3013944012
- E-Mail Address
-
christine.m.chase10.civ@mail.mil
(christine.m.chase10.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Award Number
- W911QX-17-P-0313
- Award Date
- 9/26/2017
- Description
- JUSTIFICATION REVIEW DOCUMENT FAR PART 13 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION Supply/Service: Four (4) Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) and one (1) Cryogenic System with corresponding electronics Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Amount: $[REDACTED] Prepared by: Dr. Michael BrodskyDSN: [REDACTED] Physical ScientistDate: 13 June 2017 Email: [REDACTED] Contracting Officer:Cristina M. WatkinsDSN: [REDACTED] Contracting OfficerDate: 11 Aug 2017 Email: [REDACTED] Technical:Dr. Michael BrodskyDSN: [REDACTED] Physical ScientistDate: 13 June 2017 Email: [REDACTED] Requirements:Dr. Brian M. RiveraDSN: [REDACTED] Acting Division ChiefDate: 13 June 2017 Email: [REDACTED] Reviews: I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition. Program Manager: Department of Army FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Sole Source Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition 1a. Contracting Activity: Adelphi Contracting Division, Army Contracting Command- Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1138. 1b. Requiring Activity: The United States (U.S.) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Computational & Information Sciences Directorate (CISD), Network Sciences Division (NSD), Tactical Network Assurance Branch (RDRL-CIN-T), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1138. 2. Description of Action: RDRL-CIN-T requests a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Contract with Photon Spot, Inc. (CAGE Code: 5TVA1; DUNS: 832851286; 142 W Olive Avenue, Monrovia, California, 91016-3410, United States). The estimated value of this contract totals $[REDACTED] for four (4) superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) with one (1) accompanying cryogenic system and corresponding electronics. The Government projects award for September 2017, and Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds will be used. ✓ An acquisition plan is not required because this procurement does not meet the threshold at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 207.103(d)(i)(B) and is not a cost reimbursement type contract (FAR 16.301-3(a)(2)). 3. Description of Supplies/Services: The Government requires four (4) SNSPDs with one (1) accompanying cryogenic system and corresponding electronics in order to accurately detect and measure entangled photon pairs, which are the basis of all research activities performed by the Network Science Division (NSD) Quantum Networks group. SNSPDs are the current state-of-the-art photon detection technology and have extremely high detection efficiency, low dark counts, very fast timing resolution, and very fast recovery times. The procurement of the equipment items shown below is necessary to develop critically needed Quantum Information Science technologies within several existing research programs. QuantityPart NumberProduct DescriptionPrice One (1)CDS41B-12H- 8CHCryospot 4 with Freeze4 Sorption Fridge, 8 Channels, >12 hours hold time.$[REDACTED] One (1)VRCVacuum and remote control package$[REDACTED] One (1)OTI20On-site installation and training$[REDACTED] One (1)N/AShipping and Transit Insurance$[REDACTED] Four (4)NW1FC1.55FWSi Single-Element Nanowire Detector & Electronics with < 50 nanosecond dead time (1550 nanometers)$[REDACTED] Total:$[REDACTED] 4. Authority Cited: 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), implemented by FAR 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. 5. Reason for Authority Cited: The Army Research Laboratory's (ARL) Computational & Information Sciences Directorate (CISD), Network Science Division (NSD) requires this equipment in order to conduct research activities necessary to develop critically needed Quantum Information Science technologies within two (2) existing research programs: 1) the ARL Center for Distributed Quantum Information (CDQI), and 2) the Quantum Science and Engineering Program (QSEP), which is funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Technologies developed at ARL within the framework of these two (2) programs will enable secure tamper-resistant quantum communications for the Warfighter. The required nanowire detectors will enable more efficient detection of entangled photons and will allow NSD to examine quantum phenomenon, which are required for developing and advancing quantum information technologies beyond current capabilities. The proposed detectors will be used in conjunction with two (2) NuCrypt Entangled Photon Sources (EPS) and four (4) Polarization Analyzers (PA), procured via W911QX-15-P-0275, in order to detect and measure the entangled properties of the photons generated by the EPS. Other Government-owned equipment, which will be used in conjunction with the proposed detectors, include: qty. one (1) Finisar Waveshaper Optical Processor, qty.16 microelectromechanical system (MEMS) Full 2x2 Fiberoptic Switches, and qty. two (2) variable Polarization Dependent Loss Emulators (PDLE). For the development and advancement of quantum information science technologies, NSD requires free-running SNSPDs which have extremely high detection efficiency (probability that an incoming photon is detected/measured), low dark counts (probability of false detections), very fast timing resolution (low jitter), and very fast recovery times (dead times). SNSPDs are a superior technology as compared to the previous state-of-the-art single photon detection technology, known as Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detectors. For example, RDRL-CIN-T previously acquired SPADs from NuCrypt, LLC, which have a maximum detection efficiency of approximately 20 percent and only work in a gated mode, as opposed to free-running. The gated mode operation of the NuCrypt SPADs limits the knowledge of photon times to a 250 picosecond (ps) window, which has a timing resolution/jitter of 80 ps. Thus, SPADs cannot determine the exact arrival times of photons, only measuring the amount of photons which arrive in large time windows of 250 ps. In comparison, the proposed SNSPDs can determine the arrival time of individual photons to within a jitter of 70 ps by operating in a free-running mode. Meanwhile, the proposed SNSPDs will also be detecting incoming photons with an efficiency that is greater than (4) four times more effective than SPADs (85 percent versus 20 percent) and with dark count rates that are approximately 10 times lower (100 to 300 Hertz (Hz) versus two (2) kilohertz (kHz). The superior performance of the recently developed SNSPD technology is crucial for the advancement of quantum information technologies at ARL. For example, quantum repeaters are an aggressively sought-after technology in the quantum networks and information field. Repeaters are, in some ways, analogous to classical amplifiers used in other communication schemes, and are based on a quantum optical effect known as entanglement swapping. In order to demonstrate entanglement swapping, a measurement must be performed in which four (4) photons are detected with four (4) different detectors. The probability of such a measurement being successful is equal to the detector efficiency to the fourth power (^4). This means that the required measurement to demonstrate swapping is successful less than 0.2% of the time with 20 percent efficient SPADs; meanwhile, the measurement is successful greater than 52 percent of the time with 85 percent efficient SNSPDs, a more than 325-times improvement. The inability to perform swapping with reasonable success using SPADs means that quantum repeaters cannot be built with reasonable transmission rates; therefore, SNSPDs are required to develop such technologies. Likewise, the higher dark count rates of SPADs introduce additional errors in such measurements and further reduce the operation of such technologies. The detection efficiency of any single photon detector is the primary parameter of interest. All measurements for the research performed by the NSD Quantum Networks group require the detection of single photons generated by the NuCrypt EPS. Single photon detector technology is still a relatively new and developing field. As such, single photon detector efficiencies have remained very low - approximately 20 percent with the aforementioned SPADs. This drastically inhibits the ability to demonstrate many quantum phenomenon required to develop quantum information science technologies. Low-efficiency detectors essentially add a detrimental effect known as loss to quantum measurements. All fiber-optic components add a small amount of loss, reducing the ability to demonstrate the quantum phenomenon of interest; however, inefficient detectors have remained one of the single largest sources of loss in such measurements. For example, 20 percent efficient detectors are equivalent to adding 80 percent loss. As such, the recent availability of higher-efficiency SNSPDs is a groundbreaking advancement in the development of quantum technologies. Therefore, it is essential that SNSPDs with the greatest possible efficiency are procured in order to limit the amount of loss in all measurements performed by the NSD Quantum Networks group. Without the required detection system, research in Quantum Information Science technologies will be significantly restricted and delayed, virtually curtailing the performance of key Research and Development (R&D) activities at ARL. Specifically, the quality with which certain quantum information technologies can be developed will be lessened, and other quantum information technologies will be impossible to develop altogether. Again, a major loss of productivity will result if the proposed system is not available for these programs, and CISD will not be able to advance its research into quantum networks across the various aforementioned programs. Additionally, the required SNSPDs and corresponding Cryogenic System are proprietary only to Photon Spot; if purchased separately from one another, the components would prove to be incompatible, ultimately wasting taxpayer funding and Government resources, as well as negatively impacting CISD's mission critical timelines. Due to the aforementioned, Photon Spot Inc., is the only source that will satisfy CISD's requirements. 6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Effective competition is not anticipated for this procurement based on the market research performed via online searches, email correspondences, frequent phone calls, and in-person meetings. Based on the aforementioned market research, there are currently no other sources capable of meeting the Government's minimum requirements, nor its primary requirement of 85 percent detection efficiency. Furthermore, the SNSPDs and its Cryogenic System are compatible only to each other, and no other vendor's equipment or instruments would be able to perform the Government's requirements concurrently with one another. In addition, a formal Synopsis was posted for 10 calendar days to FedBizOpps (FBO) under W911QX-17-T-0239 from 15 August 2017 to 25 August 2017 with a Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Photon Spot, Inc., at which time no interested vendors responded. Therefore, at this time, the procurement will be pursued on an Other Than Full and Open Competition basis in accordance with FAR Part 13.501(a) -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. However, if the RDRL-CIN-T discovers that another manufacturer could provide a reliable alternative, ARL will not hesitate to procure the supply competitively. 7. Actions to Increase Competition: Single photon detector technology is still a relatively new and developing field. As such, single photon detector efficiencies have remained very low. This drastically inhibits the ability to demonstrate many quantum phenomena required to develop quantum information science technologies. Low-efficiency detectors essentially add a detrimental effect known as "loss to quantum measurements." All fiber-optic components add a small amount of loss, which reduces the ability to demonstrate the quantum phenomenon of interest; however, inefficient detectors have remained one of the single largest sources of loss in such measurements. Therefore, the Government requires detectors which can ultimately achieve 100 percent efficiency. However, market research determined that this technology does not currently exist. Prior to beginning new contracts for detectors in the future, the Government will survey the market place in order to see if new strides have been made in the field. All companies capable of meeting the Government's minimum requirements for subsequent detector purchases shall be considered. 8. Market Research: Extensive market research was conducted between October 2016 and June 2017 by Dr. Daniel E. Jones, a postdoctoral researcher supporting RDRL-CIN-T, and Dr. Michael Brodsky, a 20-plus year expert in the field of fiber optic telecommunication and quantum optics. Throughout his career in academia, the private industry, and the Government, Dr. Brodsky has kept abreast of the latest technology developments and state-of-the-art advancements within the industry. Dr. Jones and Dr. Brodsky researched specifications via online searches, email correspondences, frequent phone calls and in-person meetings with [REDACTED], a Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The websites of the following manufacturers were visited: Photon Spot, Inc. (http://www.photonspot.com/); Quantum Opus, LLC (https://www.quantumopus.com/web/); OptoElectronic Components (http://www.optoecomponents.com/home/); ID Quantique SA (http://www.idquantique.com/); Single Quantum BV (http://www.singlequantum.com/); and Hamamatsu Photonics KK (https://www.hamamatsu.com/us/en/index.html). The specifications required by NSD are the following (all are listed for operation at 1550 nanometers (nm)): greater than or equal to 85 percent system detection efficiency; less than 300 Hertz (Hz) dark count rate; less than 100 ps jitter (full width at half maximum, or FWHM); recovery/dead time less than 50 ps; and greater than or equal to four (4) channels (detectors). In addition, all electronics required to operate the SNSPDs must be included, and the cryogenic system used must be a closed-circuit system which can be operated by standard laboratory personnel (i.e., researchers with photonics experience, but not necessarily cryogenics experience). Although there are comparable vendors on the market (such as Quantum Opus, IDquantique, and Single Quantum), no other vendor is able to meet all of the requirements of the government. Specifically, no other vendor is able to match the primary specification of 85 percent detection efficiency, thus drastically inhibiting the ability to demonstrate many quantum phenomenon required for developing or advancing quantum information science technologies. The greatest detection efficiency (at 1550 nm) that was found from comparable vendors was only 80 percent. Furthermore, market research confirmed that Photon Spot, Inc. is the sole distributor of their products. There are no authorized re-sellers of Photon Spot products. 9. Interested Sources: In accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 205.205-71, DFARS 206.302-1(d), and DFARS Procedures, Guidance and Information (PGI) 206.302-1(d), a Synopsis was posted to FBO.gov for 10 calendar days from 15 August 2017 with a closing date of 25 August 2017. This Synopsis posting resulted in zero (0) interested vendors responding. To date, no other sources have written to express interest in this acquisition. Based on the aforementioned, Photon Spot continues to be the only responsible source capable of providing fiber optic test and measurement equipment that meet the Government's minimum requirements. 10. Other Facts: a. Procurement History This is a new requirement for the procurement of SNSPDs and Cryogenic System and there is no procurement history since this is a first time buy. 11. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signer's Title: Physical Scientist 12. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signer's Title: Acting Division Chief 13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. Upon solicitation, Photon Spot, Inc., will be required to determine a Most Favorable Statement and Price Reasonableness, either in the form of a published priced list or an invoice from a similar sell within the previous 12 months, to ensure the Government is receiving the most favorable price available for this procurement. Certified cost or pricing is not required for this action based on the fact a commercial item is being acquired. This determination will be made using the following: __ Cost analysis _X_ Price analysis __ Should-cost __ IGCE __ Audit: _X_ Other: Certified cost or pricing data is not required per FAR 51.403-4(a)(1); a Most Favorable Statement and Price Reasonableness will be obtained from the Contractor upon solicitation. As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data: __ will be required. _X_ will not be required and the following exception applies (FAR 15.403): __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on adequate price competition. __ Prices that will be agreed upon are based on prices set by law or regulation. _X_ A commercial item is being acquired. __ A waiver has been granted by the head of the contracting activity (HCA) in accordance with DFARS PGI 215.403-1. __ The contract action is a modification to a contract or subcontract for commercial item(s). _X_ The estimated cost of the contract action is less than the threshold for certified cost or pricing data. 14. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Approval Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of four (4) Superconducting Nanowire Detectors and Cryogenic System on an Other Than Full and Open Competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901(e)(2), subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition. (End of Justification)
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/a25de6acd3d423be8fb51313bca45d61)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi, Maryland, 20783, United States
- Zip Code: 20783
- Record
- SN04697372-W 20170929/170927232531-a25de6acd3d423be8fb51313bca45d61 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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