Anticipated Sole Source Award to Santa Barabara Infrared INC.
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, Air Force Test Center (AFTC/PZZF) at Edwards AFB, intends to award a sole-source, Firm-Fixed-Price contract to Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) for a fully integrated, turnkey radiometric test station. This presolicitation notice seeks to identify other responsible sources capable of providing a 100% interoperable, follow-on solution for the 775th Test Squadron's OPTICAMS Improvement & Modernization Project. Responses challenging this sole-source intent are due by April 21, 2026.
Purpose & Justification
This notice serves as a presolicitation of intent, not a solicitation for proposals. The Government's intent is to award a contract to SBIR under the authority of RFO 6.103-1, citing "Only one responsible source." The justification is based on SBIR's proprietary IRWindows 5 software and unique VANTABLACK®S-IR coating, which are critical for interoperability with the existing system and cannot be sourced elsewhere without unacceptable schedule delays or substantial duplication of cost. Market research confirmed no other source could meet the minimum needs.
Scope of Work & Key Requirements
The requirement is for a comprehensive Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Target Projector System. This turnkey solution must include:
- A single, cohesive, fully integrated test station with a unified software interface (IRWindows 5) for automation.
- High-Emissivity Blackbody Sources (emissivity > 0.995) and an Integrating Sphere Uniform Source for visible through Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectrums.
- A Model 13971 Custom COLOSUS Target Projector System capable of projecting targets across visible, SWIR, Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR), and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) spectral ranges.
- On-site installation, final system alignment, functional verification, and operator training for up to eight (8) Government personnel at Edwards AFB, CA.
- An annual support subscription for IRWindows 5 software and a standard commercial warranty.
- The system must incorporate ultra-low reflectance coatings, specifically VANTABLACK®S-IR. The Government will provide one optical table for system installation.
Contract Details & Set-Aside
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source).
- Place of Performance: Edwards Air Force Base, CA.
Submission Information & Deadline
This is not a request for proposal. However, any responsible source believing it can meet the Government's requirement for a 100% interoperable, follow-on solution may submit a complete technical package. This package must provide clear and convincing evidence of capabilities, allowing the Government to evaluate the offeror's ability to meet the requirement without causing unacceptable schedule delays or substantial duplication of cost. All information must be in writing and contain sufficient detail. Responses are due by April 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Contacts & Ombudsman
Primary Contact: Josiah Broadway (josiah.broadway@us.af.mil) Secondary Contact: Susana Dryer (susana.dryer@us.af.mil) An Ombudsman is available for concerns, but parties should contact the Contracting Officer first. AFTC Ombudsman: Air Force Test Center Vice Commander, 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784; Email: aftc.workflow@us.af.mil.