ACAN Quantum Cascade Laser in the mid-wave infrared with cooling and control units

Advance Contract Award Notice

Definition of ACAN

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is a public notice informing suppliers that Canada intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, and invites other suppliers to express their interest by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no other supplier submits a statement of capabilities demonstrating how they meet the set requirements in the ACAN by the closing date stated in the ACAN, the buyer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.

Purpose of the ACAN

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Valcartier requires the procurement of a quantum cascade laser to support laboratory-based experimentation and research involving infrared sensor technologies. The equipment is essential for conducting testing, characterization, and performance evaluation activities in support of DRDC’s scientific and technological research objectives.

Requirement description

The DRDC has a requirement for the supply of quantity 1, Quantum Cascade Laser in the mid-wave infrared with cooling and control units.

The Quantum Cascade Laser must include the complete drive control and circuitry as well as water chiller system (as applicable)

Evaluation criteria for assessment of statement of capabilities (minimum essential requirements)

Any interested supplier must demonstrate in their statement of capabilities that its product/equipment/system (as appropriate) meets the following requirements:

Specifications Value
Minimal output power 2 Watts ±10% (average in CW mode)
Wavelength 4.600 µm ± 0.005µm
Linewidth < 1 cm-1 FWHM
Optical beam quality TEM00 beam, (>85% fit to Gaussian)
Beam ellipticity < 1.5
Beam size < 5 mm (1/e2 intensity width)
Beam divergence < 4 mrad (1/e2 intensity width)
Laser modes CW or pulsed
External modulation TTL signal modulation & Analog signal modulation
Modulation frequency range DC to 15 kHz
Modulation duty cycle 1% to 100%
Analog amplitude modulation range 0% to 100%
Temperature control Air cooled, or water cooled (with chiller system included)
Electrical input 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Format Ready to use in sealed enclosure
Other, system The systems must include the complete drive control and circuitry as well as water chiller system (as applicable)

Trade agreement applicability

This procurement is subject to the following trade agreement(s):
Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)

Justification for pre-identified supplier

The materiel required by DRDC is believed to be available from a single supplier. The requested item forms part of an existing Altair Lab capability that was originally acquired several years ago and is currently integrated into established on-site systems and infrastructure. Procuring the identical laser will ensure full compatibility and seamless integration with these existing systems, thereby minimizing technical risk and maintaining operational continuity. Furthermore, acquiring the same equipment is expected to avoid significant integration and redevelopment efforts, potentially resulting in substantial cost savings to the Crown by reducing the need for contractor-led modification and revalidation activities.

Government Contract Regulations exception(s)

The following exception to the Government Contracts Regulations is invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - "only one person is capable of performing the work".

Exclusions and /or Limited tendering reasons

The following exclusion(s) and or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the following trade agreement:

Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), Article 513.1: Limited Tendering (b) (iii) due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;

Intellectual property ownership

Ownership of any Foreground Intellectual Property arising from the proposed contract will vest in the Contractor.

Contract period and delivery dates

The materiel must be delivered on or before 29 January 2027

Cost estimate of the proposed contract

The estimated value of the contract is $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 USD (applicable taxes extra).

Supplier information

Daylight Solutions, Inc.
16465 Via Esprillo
San Diego, CA 92127
USA

Response procedure

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods, services or construction services described in this ACAN may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how they meet the advertised requirements.

Closing date and time

The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is 25 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Contact information

Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to: Ben LeBlanc DAP 4-2-3, by email to: benedict.leblanc@forces.gc.ca