Optical Sensing and Integrated Photonics Subsystem Architecture

Solicitation Number: USSB-SENSE-4921-OPT

1) Introduction

A leading global aerospace and defense technology corporation specializing in advanced national security systems, defense electronics, and complex space architecture is issuing this Sources Sought notice to identify capable small business providers for an advanced optical sensing subsystem. The enterprise frequently designs high-performance platforms that operate in environments heavily saturated with electromagnetic interference and severe space, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. In these demanding contexts, traditional electronic data transmission lines often introduce signal degradation, heavy cabling burdens, and restricted multiplexing densities that hamper optimal telemetry and sensor data acquisition. To resolve these operational and technical challenges, the corporation requires a high-density, scalable integrated photonics-based sensing architecture capable of converting physical parameters into robust optical signals without susceptibility to external electromagnetic disruption.

2) Core Requirements

• Design, develop, and deliver a scalable integrated photonics-based optical sensing platform optimized for high-bandwidth data acquisition under strict spatial and environmental limits.

• Provide robust thin-film optical chip substrates configured to support multi-parameter sensing and seamless integration with complex aerospace telemetry networks.

• Ensure high-density channel multiplexing to maximize data throughput while maintaining low insertion loss and minimal latency.

• Deliver supporting optical interface modules, fiber-array coupling hardware, and comprehensive testing documentation required for ruggedized aerospace and defense deployment.

3) Specific Requirements

• Photonic Substrate Material: The core sensing architecture must utilize an advanced high-index contrast thin-film optical substrate configuration, providing high electro-optic coefficients and transparent transmission performance spanning visible to near-infrared spectrums.

• Optical Loss and Modulation Standards: Waveguide propagation loss must not exceed 0.15 dB/cm across primary operational wavelengths. Phase and amplitude modulation components must demonstrate high electrical drive efficiency under low-voltage conditions.

• Packaging and Fiber Interfacing: Subsystems must incorporate precision edge-coupling or grating-coupling structures optimized for polarization-maintaining fiber arrays, housed within a compact, hermetically sealed, and thermally stable module framework.

• Environmental Survivability: Components must maintain stable performance and calibration across wide thermal ranges spanning from -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius, providing total immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

• Quality Assurance and Traceability: All delivered hardware lots must undergo full wafer-level optical testing, including insertion loss mapping, resonance verification, and dark current evaluation with complete documentation reports.

4) Principal Place of Performance

The principal place of performance is located within the advanced space systems and defense electronics development facility situated in Redondo Beach, California. This facility functions as a primary engineering and manufacturing hub dedicated to designing, integrating, and testing high-complexity payloads, spacecraft architecture, and next-generation sensor systems.

5) NAICS Codes

• 334413 - Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing

• 334511 - Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

• 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

• 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

6) Anticipated Contract Type

Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) hybrid contract, incorporating fixed-price deliverables for standard production units and cost-reimbursable engineering support for customized aerospace integration tasks.