Quantum Cascade Laser and Detector

Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), intends to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order to Block Engineering LLC on a sole-source basis. The purpose of this contract is to acquire a Quantum Cascade Laser and associated detector and thermocooler, which will support NIOSH research aimed at developing a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica.

Block Engineering LLC was identified as the only source capable of providing a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser that meets the government's size, weight, and performance requirements necessary for incorporation into a portable field instrument.

Work Details
The contractor shall provide the following items:
1. One (1) LaserTune-S package with Block QCL Tuner for wave numbers up to 970 cm⁻¹, capable of full-range sweeps in as little as 160 milliseconds, with pulse durations of 30–150 nsec, repetition rates of 100 kHz–1 MHz, and duty cycles up to 15%. The QCL Tuner shall provide a maximum duty cycle of 8%.
2. One (1) MCT VIGO IR Detection Module, Model PVIA-4ET-1x-1-T08-wZnSeAR-36+PP.
3. One (1) VIGO Thermocooler, Model PTCC-01-BAS.

Performance requirements include: Peak Power between 375 mW to 625 mW; Average Power Stability of less than ±0.2% over one hour at 25°C; Pulse-to-Pulse Standard Deviation of less than 2%. The delivered system must be operational and meet these technical specifications.

Period of Performance
Delivery is required within 120 calendar days after award.

Place of Performance
Delivery location is at NIOSH/PMRD/HHPB, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

Bidder Requirements
The contractor must ensure compliance with established HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards as per Section 508. Additionally, the contractor must follow secure coding best practices and ensure that all IT applications developed run without requiring elevated administrative privileges.