Gantner DAQ System Upgrade
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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, has issued a Sources Sought notice for a Gantner Data Acquisition (DAQ) System Upgrade. This market research aims to identify qualified small businesses capable of replacing obsolete DAQ hardware in Building 65’s Full Scale Structural Facility (FSSTF) to meet current aerospace structures testing requirements. Responses are due by March 11, 2026, at 10 AM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Scope
AFRL requires an upgrade to its existing Gantner DAQ system, which is obsolete. The new system must support advanced aerospace structures testing. This Sources Sought is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.
Key Requirements
The minimum requirements for the new DAQ system include:
- System Capabilities: Rack-mountable, capable of collecting data from a minimum of 1000 channels, supporting at least 3 simultaneous data rates, with a minimum 20-bit data resolution. It must capture and record 200 samples/second with 1000 simultaneous channels and provide real-time data displays (100ms latency, 30Hz update). Data should be stored in a single file with CSV export.
- Hardware:
- Input Channels: Specific requirements for Quarter Bridge (32 ch), Full Bridge (750 ch), Analog Input (100 ch), and Thermocouple (500 ch), each with detailed specifications for resistance, excitation, and acceptable error.
- Digital I/O: 8 channels per controller, 24V, selectable input/output.
- Chassis: 10 units, 19-inch rack mountable, 10 card slots per chassis, with 1TB SSD onboard storage per chassis.
- Controller: 8 units, 200 samples/second data rate, Real-Time OS, scalable/stackable, Ethernet communication, and support for NTP/PTP/IRIG time synchronization, with a 9-year Mean-Time Before Failure.
- Software: Must be compatible with Windows 10 & 11, functional without internet access, and include snapshot capability, data alarms, and a high-speed data buffer. It requires real-time graphical displays accessible remotely (2+ PCs), supporting 20+ graphs/20+ channels each. Plugin support for Python and LabVIEW (MATLAB desirable) and integration with third-party devices (Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, MOOG Aerospace Testing Suite) are also required, along with automatic remote data storage and 3 software programming licenses.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Not formally set-aside, but interested Small Business concerns are specifically encouraged to respond.
- Response Due: March 11, 2026, 10 AM Eastern Time
- Published: February 25, 2026
Submission Details
Interested parties should submit responses electronically to Mike Hornberger at michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil. Responses must include:
- Company name, CAGE code, address, point of contact, phone, and email.
- Identification of Small Business status and category (e.g., 8(a), HubZone).
- Description of relevant capability and experience to meet the minimum requirements. The email subject line must be “Gantner DAQ System Upgrade.” Only .PDF, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx attachments are allowed.
Evaluation
Responses will enable the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities and determine potential small business participation. Specifications exceeding minimum requirements will be evaluated on a value-cost basis.