Air Force Automated Equipment for Fiber Power Meter Calibration
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought for Air Force automated equipment for fiber power meter calibration. This market research aims to identify potential vendors capable of providing a new automated system to replace existing equipment for the Air Force Optical Fiber Modernization effort. Capability statements are due by March 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on vendors that can provide one (1) automated system for optical fiber power meter calibration. The system must include installation, warranty, and training. All equipment must be new, with experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" components not authorized. The system is intended for the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL) in Ohio.
Key Requirements
The required system is a compact unit with a mainframe and specific subcomponents:
- Switches: 3x1 fiber switch, 2x1 fiber switch.
- Optical Components: 2 optical shutters, 2 optical attenuators.
- Fiber Type: SMF-28 fiber with FC/APC connections.
- Control: Addressable via a single computer connection (GPIB), controllable by custom LabVIEW or Python software.
- Performance: Total insertion loss of all subcomponents must be less than 8 dB, and all subcomponents must tolerate 50 mW input power. Detailed technical specifications for each component are provided in the Statement of Work.
- Deliverable: One (1) automation equipment system with a typical 3-month lead time.
- Warranty: Minimum of 1 year after receipt of equipment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 333248 - All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 750 employees)
- Set-Aside: None specified at this stage; market research will determine if a Small Business Set-aside is appropriate. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources.
- Response Due: March 10, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
- Published: March 3, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages, including:
- Company name (provider and manufacturer).
- Country of origin/manufacture for the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing specifications. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered. Proprietary information should be marked.
Additional Notes
This is a market research tool, not a Request for Quotation or Proposals, and does not commit the Government to an award. The Government will not pay for information received.