Design and Fabrication of Custom Force-Proportional Tracking Ball Controllers
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 United States Space Force (USSF) is conducting Sources Sought market research to identify qualified and experienced sources for the design, development, and fabrication of custom force-proportional tracking ball controllers. This effort aims to enable remote operation of existing K-Mount optical tracking systems, requiring a solution that interfaces with a legacy, non-Windows-based operating system. This is a developmental effort, as no commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solution is available. Responses are due March 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Government requires the non-recurring engineering, design, fabrication, and integration of three (3) custom tracking ball controllers. Key requirements include:
- Custom Design and Engineering: Mechanical customization, electrical design modification, firmware/software development for legacy systems, and a "re-flash" capability.
- Salient Characteristics: X and Y-axis force proportional tracking, USB interface with HID protocol, compatibility with Windows 10 and 11, firmware updatability, provision of operation and service manuals, desktop and fixed station operability, and specific physical design constraints.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, 4:00 PM PST
- Published: March 12, 2026
- Place of Performance: Lompoc, CA
Requested Information
Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement (maximum 5 pages) outlining:
- Company information and business size (NAICS 541330).
- Technical capability and experience in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) devices and firmware/software development for legacy systems.
- Examples of similar projects.
- A notional technical approach.
Additional Notes
This is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals or a promise to issue one in the future. The Government is not seeking pricing and will not accept unsolicited proposals.