Blackout Enclosures for Flight Simulation VDS Edwards and Nellis AFB
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 Department of the Air Force is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Synopsis to identify qualified vendors for Blackout Enclosures for Flight Simulation VDS at Edwards AFB, CA, and Nellis AFB, NV. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. The Air Force seeks information on companies capable of designing, fabricating, and installing 16 sound-deadening, flameproof enclosures. Responses are due by February 25, 2026.
Purpose & Overview
This is a Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for proposals, and no contract will be awarded from this notice. The primary purpose is to conduct market research to identify potential qualified sources and their size classifications (small business, large business, and socioeconomic categories) for the specified requirement. The government will not reimburse costs associated with providing information.
Scope of Work
The 445th Test Squadron requires sound deadening blackout fabric enclosures for Spectra Dome Visual Display Systems (VDS) gantries to block peripheral light and sound pollution. The requirement includes the design, fabrication, and installation of 16 identical enclosures (4 for Edwards AFB, 12 for Nellis AFB). Key performance requirements include:
- Noise Reduction: From approximately 65 dB to no more than 35 dB background noise level (referencing ANSI Standard S 12.60-2002).
- Material Specifications: Flameproof (NFPA 701 Small Scale Fire Test standard), flame retardant, black on both sides, durable, and fire resistant. Seams must be double reinforced, and mounting will utilize industrial strength Velcro.
- Functionality: Enclosures must allow for cockpit entry/exit and easy access for hardware servicing. Ventilation requirements must be considered.
- Compliance: Contractor must ensure compliance of Information Assurance (IA) products with AFI 17-130, DoDI 8500.01, and CNSSP-11.
- Place of Performance: Edwards AFB, CA, and Nellis AFB, NV. The potential NAICS Code is 339999 "All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing," with a Small Business Size Standard of 550 Employees. A site visit is recommended for contractors to verify gantry measurements.
Information Requested
Interested offerors capable of fully supporting this requirement are requested to provide:
- Company name, UEI number, CAGE Code, address, points of contact, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
- A brief description of experience in providing similar services.
- Identification of business size (small or large) and socioeconomic disadvantaged category.
- Any other information deemed useful to the Air Force. Information packages should be limited to no more than 2 pages. Only companies that can support all areas of the requirement will be considered; partial support responses will not be accepted.
Submission Details
Responses are due by Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. Submissions should be forwarded to TSgt Jamil Minosa at jamil.minosa.2@us.af.mil and Karla Montes at karla_lizette.vazquez_montes@us.af.mil.