Purchase of silicon-based photonics integrated circuit (PICs) for laboratory testing for the AstroPIC project.
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Notice type
Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Solicitation #
80NSSC26936131Q
NAICS
334413
PSC
6695
Posted
June 16, 2026
Response due
June 22, 2026
What this opportunity is
NASA is procuring silicon-based photonics integrated circuits (PICs) for laboratory testing related to the AstroPIC project, with a sole source contract intended for Applied Nanotools, the only identified provider. This opportunity falls under NAICS 334413 and is classified under PSC 6695. Small businesses interested in this procurement can submit their capabilities and qualifications by the specified deadline; however, the government may choose not to pursue competitive bidding based on the responses received.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
STATEMENT OF WORK
Astrophotonics fabrication of silicon PICs for
high-contrast imaging coronagraphy
1. Objective/Requirements
The AstroPIC project at NASA Ames Research Center is seeking to manufacture
silicon-based photonics integrated circuit (PICs) for laboratory testing. These PICs
feature input grating coupler designs that need to be manufactured to fabrication
tolerances to enable high efficiency coupling. Applied Nanotools (ANT) will use an
electron-beam write lithography process with both full and partial etch capabilities to
fabricate silicon PIC devices that meet fabrication tolerances specified below. These
silicon PIC devices will be used for high-contrast imaging demonstrations for
coronagraphy.
ANT is a registered entity on SAM.gov with ID#: J3Q3ARBLN3H3.
NASA Ames Research Center technical POCs:
Dan Sirbu (AstroPIC Principal Investigator) – dan.sirbu@nasa.gov
Kevin Sims (AstroPIC Project Manager) – kevin.sims@nasa.gov
Applied Nanotools POCs:
Cameron Horvath - cameron@appliednt.com
2. Characteristics, Scope, and Specs
Applied Nanotools (ANT) shall deliver a total of 56 photonic integrated circuit devices
(referred to as “dies” on the quote) based on the following NASA provided silicon
photonic layout design files:
ant_apr26_121_ACHIP.gds – 4 copies diced into 12 dies
ant_apr26_121_AstroPIC_main.gds – 12 copies diced into 12 dies
ant_apr26_121_AstroPIC_secondary.gds – 4 copies died into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_BBDC.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_grating.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_Grating_pp.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_MEMS.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_PCLA.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_Polarization.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
ant_apr26_121_SPEC.gds – 4 copies diced into 4 dies
Each of the PIC devices shall have the following specifications and fabrication
tolerances:
All devices will be Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) material
Partial etch (layer 2) with 70nm (±10nm) depth, with pattering of gratings and partial-
etching down to custom etch depth
Full etch (layer 1) at 220 nm depth with patterning of waveguides and etching down
to the buried oxide (BOX) layer.
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Oxide cladding: 2.2 +/- 0.2 micron thickness, deposited using plasma-enhanced
chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process.
Tri-layer metallization (layer 11, 12, 13) for thermal phase shifters and deep trench
process for thermal isolation, on applicable devices. TiW and Au layers on 5 wafers
total.
Oxide window openings (or MEMS release on MEMS devices – see below)
For devices containing Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) structures:
o Direct metallization (layer 5)
o Via openings (layer 40)
o MEMS release (layer 6)
Deep trenches for thermal isolation trenches: > 250 microns (applicable to non-
MEMS)
Dicing of 48 layout copies into 56 dies in total (as described above)
Shipping to NASA Ames.
3. Place of Performance
Delivery of fabricated photonics integrated circuits to:
NASA Ames Research Center
Building N255 Central Receiving
Moffett Field, CA 94035
United States
Attention: Dan Sirbu
4. Period of Performance
Delivery approximately 16 weeks after receipt of order.
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.
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