LOW BACKGROUND INFRARED (LBIR) BRIDGE
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 (AFMETCAL), acting as the executing agent for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought Synopsis for a Low Background Infrared (LBIR) Bridge contract. This market research aims to identify potential sources capable of providing highly specialized services at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) LBIR facility in Gaithersburg, MD. The anticipated bridge contract will consist of six (6) one-month options to ensure continuity of critical services while a long-term acquisition strategy is finalized. Responses are due by June 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The LBIR facility provides a calibration base for the infrared user community, including both spectral and broadband measurements in a 20 K background environment. Services include:
- Spectral calibration of low-background infrared detectors.
- Characterization of optical components.
- Evaluation of highly collimated infrared sources using cryogenic transfer radiometers. Potential offerors must possess the immediate capability and expertise to perform these services without a break in service or a lengthy ramp-up period. A draft Statement of Work (SOW) is attached for more detailed requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Short-term bridge contract with six (6) one-month options.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Product/Service Code: H266 - Equipment And Materials Testing: Instruments And Laboratory Equipment.
- Response Due: June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT.
- Published: June 12, 2026.
- Funding: Currently, no funds are available for this acquisition.
Information Requested
Interested parties must submit a capability statement addressing:
- Company name, address, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID, business size (small/large under NAICS 541380), and applicable socioeconomic statuses.
- Detailed technical capabilities for the specialized calibration and testing services.
- Summary of recent and relevant contract history (contract numbers, dollar values, points of contact).
- Confirmation of ability to begin performance immediately and a plan for seamless service continuation.
- Point of Contact information (name, title, phone, email).
- Verification of active SAM.gov registration.
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation or commitment by the Government. All costs associated with responding are at the respondent's expense. Proprietary information will be handled accordingly. Submissions must be made via the Solicitation module in the PIEE website.