Portable Optical Atomic Clocks
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Original Solicitation Links
OU68-FY26-493-NEW
]high-performance optical atomic clocks
OU68-FY26-492-NEW
]portable optical atomic clocks
Contact
Submission Instructions
Description
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to identify businesses capable of providing two portable optical atomic clocks. These clocks are intended to upgrade the official U.S. timekeeping system and will be integrated into an auxiliary timescale in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The primary goal is to improve the resilience and performance of UTC(NIST) by augmenting an ensemble of microwave atomic clocks. The clocks must support timescale instabilities of 1.2 ns/day and offer excellent short-term stability. Additionally, NIST intends to use the continuous-wave (CW) output from these clocks for experimental research in optical quantum networks, high-resolution atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and optical clock comparisons. Having two units provides crucial backup redundancy. The specifications require systems that can achieve frequency discipline of an oscillator to an atomic or molecular spectroscopic transition, provide various RF and optical outputs, and meet stringent requirements for short-term frequency instability (Allan deviation). The system must also adhere to strict power dissipation limits (less than 150W for clock stability components, less than 500W total), fit within standard 19-inch rack enclosures, and support complete remote operation via digital interfaces. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including small and large businesses, to determine potential acquisition methods and identify any small business set-aside opportunities.
Classification Codes
Smart Codes
Specifications
Documents
| Title | Date Posted |
|---|---|
| OU68-FY26-492-NEW Requirements and Specifications_v2.docx | Jun 09, 2026 12:00 PM |
| OU68-FY26-493-NEW Requirements and Specifications_chronos.docx | Jun 09, 2026 12:00 PM |
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