CDC/NIOSH intends to award a sole-source firm-fixed-price purchase order to Block Engineering LLC for a Quantum Cascade Laser, associated detector, and thermocooler. The equipment will support NIOSH research to develop a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica, using aerosol sampling to measure infrared absorption. Market research identified Block Engineering LLC as the only known source of a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser meeting the Government’s required size, weight, and performance requirements. These size and weight requirements are necessary because the equipment will be incorporated into a portable field instrument. Responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirements may submit a quotation or capability information, including sufficient technical information demonstrating their ability.

CDC/NIOSH intends to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a sole-source basis to Block Engineering LLC for a Quantum Cascade Laser, associated detector, and thermocooler. The equipment will support NIOSH research to develop a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica, using infrared absorption with aerosol sampling equipment. A September 22, 2026 amendment revised the requirements to remove the “MCT” reference, identify an Infrared Detection Module, and clarify infrared detector wavelength coverage, LaserTune-S compatibility, and system integration. Market research identified Block Engineering LLC as the only currently known source providing a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser meeting the required size, weight, and performance for incorporation into a portable field instrument. All responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirements may submit a quotation or capability information with sufficient technical detail for Government consideration.

CDC/NIOSH intends to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a sole-source basis to Block Engineering LLC for a Quantum Cascade Laser and associated detector and thermocooler. The equipment will support NIOSH research to develop a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica and will be used with aerosol sampling equipment to measure infrared absorption characteristics. Market research identified Block Engineering LLC as the only currently known source providing a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser meeting the required size, weight, and performance requirements, which are necessary for incorporation into a portable field instrument. Responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirements may submit a quotation or capability information with sufficient technical information demonstrating their ability to provide compliant equipment.

CDC/NIOSH intends to award a sole-source firm-fixed-price purchase order to Block Engineering LLC for a Quantum Cascade Laser with associated detector and thermocooler. The equipment will support NIOSH research to develop a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica, using aerosol sampling equipment to measure infrared absorption characteristics. Market research identified Block Engineering LLC as the only known source providing a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser that meets the required size, weight, and performance for a portable field instrument. Responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirements may submit a quotation or capability information with sufficient technical detail for Government consideration.

CDC/NIOSH intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price purchase order to Block Engineering LLC for a Quantum Cascade Laser with an associated detector and thermocooler. The equipment will support NIOSH research to develop a portable real-time monitor for respirable crystalline silica, used with aerosol sampling equipment to measure infrared absorption characteristics. Market research identified Block Engineering LLC as the only known source providing a 12.5 µm wavelength tunable laser meeting the Government’s required size, weight, and performance requirements for incorporation into a portable field instrument. Responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirements may submit a quotation or capability information with sufficient technical evidence for consideration.