Notice of Intent - XARION LASER ACOUSTICS GMBH - Diaphragmless Optical Microphone

The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with XARION LASER ACOUSTICS GMBH, for the procurement of a Diaphragmless Optical Microphone. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML), Mass and Force Group, performs acoustical measurements and calibrations, and has a requirement for a Diaphragmless monolithic optical microphone. This microphone system must detect sound based on refractive index variation in a sound wave, at acoustic frequencies from 20 Hz – 100 kHz.

Extensive market research performed identified only one manufacturer that can meet the Mass and Force Groups minimum requirements.  XARION LASER ACOUSTICS GMBH was the only commercial manufacturer identified that can meet all the following technical requirements:

1. Operation is based on the variation of the optical refractive index in a sound wave

2. No moving microphone diaphragm

3. Dynamic range: 100 dB

4. Max sound pressure level (< 3% THD): 100 Pa

5. Acoustic frequency range: 20 Hz – 100 kHz

6. Number of microphone sensor heads: 2

7. Microphone (sensor) size: maximum linear dimension £ 50 mm, exclusive of cable

8. Microphone (sensor) weight: £ 50 g

9. Accessory required: mounting adapters for microphone

10. Accessory required: arm for microphone positioning

11: Software: Any required user software included, Windows-compatible

12. Power supply: 120V 60Hz, or DC £ 24 V

13. Warranty: Minimum 1-year

Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and shall be in accordance with the Contractors established commercial lead times.    

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 and the size standard is 1000 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by established due date/time set forth in this notice. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to joni.laster@nist.gov . No telephone requests will be honored.   

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.