Search Contract Opportunities

Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System

ID: SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048 • Type: Sources Sought • Match:  95%
Opportunity Assistant

Hello! Please let me know your questions about this opportunity. I will answer based on the available opportunity documents.

Please sign-in to link federal registration and award history to assistant. Sign in to upload a capability statement or catalogue for your company

Popular Questions:
Generate a draft:
Loading

Description

Background
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is seeking to acquire a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.

The AFRL conducts advanced research and development to support national security and defense applications, focusing on laser detection, free-space optical communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical remote sensing systems. The acquisition aims to address performance gaps in existing photodetector technologies that limit the division's capabilities in detecting low-level optical signals.

Work Details
The contract involves procuring a fully integrated Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System with the following minimum requirements:

1) Detection Capability:
- Single-photon detection across visible and near-infrared wavelengths (700 nm to 2100 nm).
- High detection efficiency for ladar and lasercom applications.

2) Performance Characteristics:
- Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE): ≥ 80% for near-infrared; ≥ 60% for extended infrared.
- Timing Resolution: ≤ 100 picoseconds FWHM preferred.
- Recovery Time: ≤ 300 nanoseconds to 50% efficiency.
- Dark Count Rate: ≤ 1,000 counts per second preferred.

3) System Configuration:
- Multiple detection channels and fiber-coupled inputs compatible with standard optical fiber interfaces.

4) Cryogenic Cooling System:
- Closed-cycle cryocooling system maintaining superconducting temperatures; air-cooled or equivalent.

5) System Integration & Usability:
- Fully integrated system with control software for performance monitoring.

6) Calibration & Experimental Support:
- Capable of supporting calibration reference for other photodetectors and experiments involving wavelength conversion.

7) Durability and Reliability:
- Designed for continuous laboratory operation with robust components.

8) Peripheral Items & Accessories:
- Includes necessary cables, connectors, helium lines, drive cables, and vacuum components for operation.

9) Regulatory & Safety Compliance:
- Must comply with federal safety standards and include documentation for safe operation.

Place of Performance
Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433 UNITED STATES

Bidder Requirements
Interested Small Business concerns must identify their interest and capability to meet the Government's requirements by the closing date listed in the solicitation.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a requirement for a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.

This is a Sources Sought (SS). This is not a presolicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as any commitment by the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract and or pay for any quote preparation costs. The Government will not accept quotes at this time. This notice is not an offer by the Government to enter into a contract. Interested Small Business concerns must identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement by closing date listed. Responses will allow the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities in support of requirements identified in the Draft Minimum Requirements Document.

NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

SUBMISSION DETAILS: All interested parties are encouraged to submit a response to this Sources Sought. Responses will be accepted until 2 September 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time and should address the following questions:

1. Company name, cage code, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address

2. Identification of whether the company is currently designated as a Small Business as defined in FAR Part 19.1 and the appropriate category (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.).

3. Company description of relevant capability and experience to provide supplies/services in accordance with the minimum requirements.

Capability package responses and questions shall be sent electronically to Mike Hornberger at michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System. Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files). Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters. Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB. If sending attachments with e-mail, ensure only .PDF, .doc, docx, xls, or .xsls documents are sent. The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.

Overview

Response Deadline
Due in 5 Days
Posted
Set Aside
None
Place of Performance
Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433 United States
Source

Current SBA Size Standard
1000 Employees
Pricing
Likely Fixed Price
Est. Level of Competition
Low
Est. Value Range
Experimental
$250,000 - $900,000 (AI estimate)
Odds of Award
22%
Signs of Shaping
The solicitation is open for 5 days, below average for the Air Force Research Laboratory.
On 8/28/26 Air Force Research Laboratory issued Sources Sought SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048 for Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System due 9/2/26. The opportunity was issued full & open with NAICS 334516 and PSC 6640.
Primary Contact
Name
Mike Hornberger   Profile
Phone
(385) 634-3854

Secondary Contact

Name
Chris Stokes   Profile
Phone
None

Documents

Posted documents for Sources Sought SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048

Opportunity Assistant


AI Analysis

AI Generate

Incumbent or Similar Awards

Contracts Similar to Sources Sought SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048

Potential Bidders and Partners

Awardees that have won contracts similar to Sources Sought SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048

Similar Active Opportunities

Open contract opportunities similar to Sources Sought SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048

Experts for Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System

Recommended subject matter experts available for hire

Additional Details

Source Agency Hierarchy
DEPT OF DEFENSE > DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE > AFMC > AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY > FA2396 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL PZLE
FPDS Organization Code
5700-FA2396
Source Organization Code
500177443
Last Updated
Last Updated By
michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil
Archive Date