Low Background Infrared (LBIR) facility
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 U.S. Air Force (AFMETCAL) has issued a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a five-month, firm-fixed-price sole-source contract to Jung Research and Development Corp. (JRAD) for the Low Background Infrared (LBIR) facility. This action is necessary to prevent a critical service gap for calibration and maintenance services supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Scope of Work
The contractor is responsible for the continuous calibration, operation, and maintenance of the LBIR facility located at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These services are essential for the testing and evaluation of Kill Vehicle (KV) sensor-seekers used in Ground-Based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) and Aegis Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) interceptor systems. The work requires highly specialized expertise in:
- Large cryogenic refrigerator systems
- Thermal infrared optical equipment
- Unique radiometric instrumentation
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Sole Source)
- Duration: Five (5) months
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) - Only One Responsible Source
- Vendor: Jung Research and Development Corp. (JRAD)
- Published: January 22, 2026
Evaluation
This is a sole-source justification. JRAD was selected because they designed, developed, and built the majority of the major LBIR components, making them the only source capable of performing the requirements without unacceptable delays or duplication of costs.
Additional Notes
The follow-on competitive acquisition for these services was delayed due to an extended government shutdown. The Air Force remains committed to maximizing competition for future procurements through strategies such as phased acquisition approaches and the acquisition of technical data rights.