Intent to Award Sole/Single Source - Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirror (DM)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the minimum requirements and salient characteristics for a Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirror (DM). It specifies the technical attributes necessary for a 137-actuator DM to support research and development of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensing capabilities for hypersonics at the KHILS Laboratory.

• Deformable Mirror Type: Continuous membrane / MEMS
• Minimum Actuator Count: 137
• Aperture Size (controllable area): 4mm (min) to 8mm (max)
• Actuator Count Across Aperture (minimum): 12
• Actuator Physical Stroke: 5.5µm
• Response Time (10% - 90% Rise/Fall): 450/650 microseconds
• Inter-actuator coupling: < 23%
• Hysteresis: None
• Step size: Sub-nm (average)
• Surface Figure: <20nm RMS
• Window Transmission: >95% over entire 1.5 – 5.0µm waveband
• Driver frame rate: 2kHz
• Resolution: 14-bit
• Memory Volatility Statement: Driver electronics/interface certificate required stating both volatile and non-volatile memory with instructions how to clear memory (if user accessible).
• Open-loop calibration: DM must be capable of being calibrated and driven in an open-loop fashion.

This document details the firm requirements for the Deformable Mirror. Vendors must ensure their proposed solution meets or exceeds all listed characteristics. Any "or equal" item must meet these specifications. The delivery time is also a critical factor, with a maximum of 14 weeks or less.

Determination & Findings (Sole Source Justification)

This document justifies the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)/RWTSH's intent to solicit from a single source for a 137-actuator Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirror (DM). This component is required to support research and development of new Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensing capabilities for hypersonics at the KHILS Laboratory.

• Market research was conducted, including internet searches, industry expert consultations, and outreach to potential vendors.

• Two potential vendors were identified: Boston Micromachines Corporation and Iris AO, Inc.

• Iris AO, Inc. was found to have an inactive SAM registration.

• Through further research and conversations, only Boston Micromachines Corporation was determined to be capable of fulfilling the requirements.

• Searches of GSA Advantage and mandatory sources yielded no suitable results.

• A Sources Sought notice posted on SAM.gov received no responses.

• It is not expected that two responsible small businesses could provide competitive quotations in terms of market price, quality, and delivery.

• The acquisition will proceed as a firm fixed-price purchase order under RFO Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services).

• The acquisition will be conducted as a single source to Boston Micromachines Corporation.

• A notice of intent to single source will be posted via SAM.gov.

• Future similar requirements will continue to undergo market research to identify new potential sources.

• RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services): Only one source is available.

• The Contracting Officer is the approval authority for these determinations, citing DAF Approval Authorities Matrix PM 26-C-11 Matrix Item 51 for RFO 13.101(b) actions and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) for FSS orders.

June 11, 2026