Low Background Infrared (LBIR) Service Contract

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide essential research, standards development, and calibration service assistance utilizing Government-furnished equipment at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Low Background Infrared (LBIR) facility. This support is critical for ensuring the accuracy, repeatability, and SI-traceability of Kill Vehicle (KV) sensor-seekers used in Missile Defense Agency (MDA) interceptor systems.

• Routine Operation and Maintenance: Ensuring the continuous operational readiness and day-to-day functionality of LBIR Calibration Facility systems, including Missile Defense Transfer Radiometer (MDXR), User Transfer Standard Radiometer (UXR), 10 Centimeter Collimator (10CC), 30 Centimeter Collimator (30CC), Broadband Calibration Chamber (BCC), and Spectral Calibration Chamber (SCC).

• Calibration Support: Providing scheduled on-site and off-site calibration services for test chambers and blackbody sources to validate measurement uncertainties and ensure the performance of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) sensor systems. This includes utilizing national reference standards and ensuring SI traceability.

• Metrology Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading LBIR systems, implementing modern calibration frameworks, designing advanced measurement standards, and developing innovative measurement methods.

• The contractor must maintain SI traceability for all calibration standards.

• Performance requires on-site expertise in cryogenic radiometry, adherence to NIST safety protocols, and rigorous data management.

• Deliverables include guaranteed operational availability of key systems, NIST-traceable calibration services with comprehensive documentation, development of next-generation calibration equipment, and monthly procurement reports.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but the document is dated April 16, 2026.

• Place of Performance: Primarily on-site at the NIST LBIR Facility, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Building 221. Off-site work requires explicit permission from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Personnel: Requires experienced personnel with expertise in cryogenic systems, high vacuum, infrared optical equipment, laser systems, and data acquisition/analysis. Specific key personnel requirements include PhD-level scientists/engineers and senior technicians.

• Security: Compliance with NIST, Department of Commerce, and Department of Defense security regulations, including background investigations, CUI handling, physical security, and IT system access. Strict adherence to ITAR and EAR is required.

• Access: Contractor personnel must obtain NIST security requirements for facility access and utilize Government-furnished IT systems.

• Reporting: Monthly Activities Summary Reports and weekly oral progress reports to the COR are required. Formal and informal meetings/reviews are also part of the contract.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP): Includes office space, telephones, IT equipment, and software/services.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies a sole-source contract award to Jung Research and Development Corp. (JRAD) for the continued operation, maintenance, research, and engineering support of the Low Background Infrared (LBIR) calibration facility. This facility is critical for supporting the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Kill Vehicle (KV) sensor-seekers used in major missile defense systems.

• Comprehensive support for the LBIR facility, including calibration, operation, and maintenance.

• Research, development, design, and testing of new hardware and software to enhance LBIR's radiometric capabilities.

• On-site calibration of customer test chambers using LBIR standards.

• Assistance to NIST with the calibration of test chamber blackbody sources.

• Personnel with a minimum of 10 years of direct experience in high-vacuum cryogenic systems for infrared instrumentation.

• Anticipated Contract Type: Cost-Type.

• Period of Performance: July 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029 (includes a one-year base period, one-year option, one three-month option, and one six-month option).

• Major Items: Personnel (4.0 - 4.5 FTEs for routine operations; 0.5 - 1.0 FTEs for R&D).

This document is a justification for a sole-source award, not a solicitation. Therefore, there are no proposal submission or evaluation criteria detailed here.

This justification is for a sole-source award to JRAD due to their unique qualifications and expertise. The document details extensive market research efforts that have not identified other qualified sources.

• The LBIR facility requires highly specialized expertise due to its unique cryogenic environments, custom-engineered equipment, and mission-critical performance requirements.
• JRAD possesses unparalleled institutional knowledge and specialized expertise, having been instrumental in the design and development of key LBIR components.
• Awarding to another source would result in unacceptable consequences, including duplicated development costs, substantial delays, and increased mission risk.
• The Government plans to acquire unlimited rights to all deliverables and technical data to support future competition.
• Future actions will include phased contract structure with options, ongoing market development, and barrier reduction initiatives to encourage competition.