Fluorescent Phosphate Optical Glass Units

Background
The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) is seeking to negotiate on a sole source basis with Starna Cells, located in Atascadero, California, for the procurement of Fluorescent Phosphate Optical Glass Units. This initiative is part of NIST's mission to provide national measurement standards and enhance measurement traceability in fluorescence spectroscopy.

Work Details
NIST's Biosystems and Biomaterials Division (BBD) requires units of copper-containing phosphate-based glass with specific dimensions and optical properties to prepare candidate NIST Standard Reference Material SRM 2943a – Relative Intensity Standard for Fluorescence Spectroscopy – Blue Emission. These standards will replace the currently unavailable NIST SRM 2943.

The preparation of these glass units necessitates specialized glass manufacturing techniques that differ from those used for consumer glass products or standard scientific glassware. The units must be made from high-purity, optical-quality phosphate glass containing added copper to achieve the required optical and fluorescence properties. Additionally, phosphate glass melts are chemically reactive and require special handling and safety procedures due to their interaction with equipment used in other types of glass preparation.

Market research indicates that Starna Cells, Inc. is the only U.S. small business capable of providing these specific Fluorescent Phosphate Optical Glass Units, having a historical relationship with NIST for over 40 years in producing SRMs.

Place of Performance
Atascadero, California