US Naval Observatory Calcium Oven

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial supplies in accordance with the information in FAR Subpart 12.6 and FAR Subpart 13.106, using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for commercial items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; and a written solicitation will not be issued. This combined synopsis/solicitation will be available for download on or about January 9 2024 under Request for Quotation (RFQ) number N0018924Q0092 at the following website: https://beta.sam.gov/.

This solicitation documents and incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through FAC 2024-01 and DFARS Change Notice 20240109. It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses are available in full text at the following addresses: www.acqnet.gov/far and http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm. This acquisition will result in a Firm-Fixed-Price contract under NAICS 334516. The Small Business Size Standard is 1,000.

BACKGROUND: The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is the authoritative source of time for the Department of Defense. For this purpose, the USNO’s Precise Time Department maintains an ensemble of high-performing atomic clocks that is used to generate precise time. Because of the lack of commercial vendors for the highest performing clocks, stocking the clock ensemble with systems based on cutting-edge technology requires that these systems be designed and built in-house.

Within the Precise Time Department, the Clock Development Division is investigating atomic clock technology using optical spectroscopy on an atomic beam of calcium. One the three critical elements of an optical atomic clock is the source of a beam of atoms. Typically, atomic physics experiments use a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) effusive oven design. These ovens can hold large amounts of material (>10g) and a long aspect ratio of a cylindrical nozzle can reduce the emission of stray atoms.

An intrinsic downside to an atomic beam clock is the limited lifetime (~6 months for 20g of calcium) which requires periodic refilling of source calcium. We have observed that the position and alignment of the MBE oven can vary by millimeters and up to a degree in angular alignment. This is mainly caused by variation in inserting the crucible into the heating sleeve. These components have a certain amount of flex. The USNO seeks.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS REQUIRED: See attached combined synopsis for full details on required supplies. Refurbished items are not accepted and will be deemed unacceptable. The required delivery date is NLT May 31, 2024. Delivery Location: 3450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC, 20392. FAR provision and clauses applicable to this procurement are included as an attachment.

This announcement will close on 19 January 2024 at 10:00am EST. Responses should be submitted via email to Megan Evans at megan.m.evans18.civ@us.navy.mil. System for Award Management (SAM). Quoters must be registered in the SAM database to be considered for award. Registration is free and can be completed on-line at http://www.sam.gov. For assistance call 866-606-8220 or visit the Federal Service Desk website at http://www.fsd.gov. All quotes shall include price(s), FOB destination, a point of contact, name and phone number, business size, and Net 30 payment terms.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE ATTACHED: FAR and DFAR provisions and clauses applicable to this procurement Combined Synopsis Solicitation