Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA) MEI Racer Edging Machine Maintenance
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 Navy / NAVSUP FLT LOG CTR NORFOLK has issued a Presolicitation notice for the sole source procurement of preventive maintenance and service for five (5) Robotic MEI Racer Edging Machines at the Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA) in Yorktown, VA. This critical maintenance ensures operational readiness for the Department of Defense Optical Fabrication Enterprise. The government plans to award a contract to MEI Systems, Inc. due to the proprietary nature of the required services. Responses/inquiries are due by May 25, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for continuing preventive maintenance and service for five (5) MEI Racer Edging Machines. This includes:
- Software maintenance and technical support services.
- Ensuring optimum performance and reducing downtime.
- Maintaining operational readiness for beneficiaries, as these machines are critical to NORA's optical fabrication processes, performing approximately 75% of NORA's fabrication and contributing 37% of the DoD Optical Fabrication Enterprise's annual output.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Sole Source Justification)
- Contract Type: Sole Source
- Period of Performance: Twelve-month period
- Estimated Cost: $185,000 (funded by Navy O&M, FY2026)
- Product Service Code: J065 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Medical, Dental, And Veterinary Equipment And Supplies)
- Response Date: May 25, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published Date: April 30, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The government intends to solicit this requirement on a sole source basis from MEI Systems, Inc. because they are the original manufacturer and the only source capable of providing the proprietary preventive maintenance service plans and technical support for their Racer Edger machines. Market research confirmed that other vendors cannot provide the necessary proprietary software, technical support, or a comparable maintenance plan. The operational integrity of these machines is vital to NORA's mission and patient care.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Not applicable, as this is a sole source justification.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Austin Waller, Contracting Specialist, austin.p.waller.civ@us.navy.mil, 7712292370.