Fiber Optic Draw Tower
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 Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), under the Department of the Navy, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify potential sources capable of providing a Fiber Optic Draw Tower. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather technical information, capabilities, and estimated costs for a fully turnkey system. Responses are due by April 8, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
NRL requires a Silica Fiber Optic Draw Tower system designed to fit within a 1m wide x 1m deep x 9m tall footprint. Key system specifications include:
- Resistive heated furnace (2300°C max, water-cooled).
- Preform feed mechanism (1.5m min length, 10-50mm diameter).
- Four independent channels for preform pressurization/vacuum.
- Two independent fiber coating systems with 365nm LED UV curing.
- Two independent fiber coating measurement systems.
- Take-up capstan and fiber spooling system.
- Automatic closed-loop control for all systems.
- Software access for future hardware additions (subject to NDA, potential ITAR/foreign disclosure).
Performance capabilities include process speeds of 1 to 200 m/min (fiber draw) and 0.1 to 10 m/min (cane/tube), fiber diameter measurement from 80 µm to 1000 µm, and support for various fiber types (Step Index MM, Graded Index MM, Single Mode, Microstructured PCF, microstructured hollow core). The system must also provide comprehensive data logging for key parameters.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- PSC: 3695 (Miscellaneous Special Industry Machinery)
- NAICS: 333248 (All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing)
- Response Due: April 8, 2026, 07:00 AM EST
- Published: April 1, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested firms should submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet the requirement, including:
- Contact Information: Company name, POC, business size/socioeconomic categories, UEI (DUNS), Cage Code, suggested NAICS/PSC, and commercial item determination.
- Technical Information: Description of items meeting draft specifications, questions/suggestions, estimated delivery schedule, and estimated quote(s).
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation and is issued for information and planning purposes only. Responses will not result in an award, and the Government makes no commitment to issue a subsequent RFQ. Costs incurred in responding will not be reimbursed. Specifications are subject to change based on market surveys and engineering review.