Fiducial Flashpole Product
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
Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), an ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF contractor, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify vendors interested in developing a next-generation Fiducial Flashpole Product for marine raft use. The current system faces reliability and maintenance challenges in harsh environments. LLNS seeks capabilities for assessment, design, prototyping, testing, and delivery of a more robust and maintainable replacement. This is for market research to build a qualified bidder pool. Responses are due by June 27, 2026.
Scope of Work
The objective is to replace the existing LLNL fiducial flash system, which has experienced issues with environmental exposure and humidity. The new design must address problems related to battery placement, environmental intrusion, and maintenance difficulty. Key tasks include:
- Assessment and design of the new flashpole system.
- Development and prototyping.
- Comprehensive testing.
- Final delivery of the improved system.
Key Requirements & Capabilities
Vendors should demonstrate experience in ruggedized electro-optical systems, embedded firmware, waterproof/weather-resistant packaging, and field-deployable equipment. Specific performance standards include:
- Optical Performance: Flash brightness exceeding 500k lumens, 1 Hz pulse timing (50ms ON/950ms OFF), uniform 360° and upward light output.
- Triggering: External trigger from onboard raft instrumentation (CORE) and integrated photodiode for internal triggering.
- Environmental Protection: IP67 or equivalent, operation at 100% relative humidity at 36°C, and temperature range of -5°C to 50°C.
- Reliability & Durability: Minimum 3-year service life, withstand 3 ft drops, and continuous 1 Hz flashing for at least 1 hour.
- Firmware: Fully modifiable by LLNL or manufacturer-supported for bug fixes and enhancements, with simple update/rollback capabilities.
- Maintainability: Diagnostic test mode, simple field setup, minimal maintenance with replaceable components, and a provided service/maintenance plan.
- Production: Capability to produce up to 100 units within 3 months of design completion and support for a minimum of 10 years.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 27, 2026
- Published: June 15, 2026
- Design Timeline: Design work to be completed within 26 weeks of contract start.
- Phases: Requirements & Initial Design, Detailed Design, Build & Testing, Production Readiness & Final Delivery.
Additional Notes
LLNS is not requesting detailed technical solutions at this stage but seeks to gauge vendor capability, experience, and interest for a system intended for demanding outdoor marine operations. Interested vendors should provide an overview of relevant experience, technical capabilities, ability to meet timelines, and preliminary comments. A Statement of Work is included with this posting.