The linewidth enhancement factor alpha in a 1.3-mu-m InGaAsP/InP strained-layer multiple-quantum-well (SL-MQW) DFB laser has been evaluated from the relation between the frequency and intensity modulation indexes, and the spontaneous emission spectra below threshold current. It is demonstrated that the measured alpha-parameter of a 1.3-mu-m SL-MQW DFB laser is about 2 and is much smaller than that in a conventional bulk DFB laser. A low alpha-parameter means that low wavelength chirping characteristics are also obtained for the SL-MQW DFB laser.