Notice of Inten to Sole Source - One (1) PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS) with high accuracy and uniform circumferential heating distribution.

Salient Characteristics

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS) that the Government requires. The Government has evaluated the commercial marketplace and determined that all listed characteristics are available in commercial products/services.

• Fusion Splicing Capability: Precise fusion splicing of fiber endcaps to optical fibers, including experimental and unconventional fibers.

• Motion Control: Twelve-axis motion control (six axes per side) with precise positional and angular travel (< 0.1 µm resolution, < 0.01° accuracy).

• Heating System: Circumferential, thermally uniform heating system for high-quality splicing.

• Diameter Handling: Ability to handle fiber and endcap diameters from 125 µm to 2.5 mm, with optional holders up to 12 mm.

• Machine Vision: Orthogonal live views and detailed splice scanning for quality assurance.

• Portability: System must be portable and easily moved between laboratories.

• Accessories & Software: Includes a PC with necessary software, monitor, fiber holder carriages, accessory kit (e.g., ball nose driver, IPA bottle), and support for advanced splice calibration.

• Warranty: One (1) year parts and labor warranty.

• Optional Training: Available for operational use.

• Delivery Timeline: Within twelve weeks after contract award (ACA).

• Delivery Location: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783.

Not specified in this document.

• The document is signed by a Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
• The Contracting Officer is Phillip J. Amador, dated 3/3/2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document contains provisions and clauses incorporated by reference and in full text for Solicitation W911QX26QA035. It details requirements related to telecommunications and video surveillance equipment, unique item identification, and payment processing.

• Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (52.204-24): Offerors must represent whether they will provide or use covered telecommunications equipment or services. Specific disclosures are required if "will" or "does" is selected.

• Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation (52.204-26): Similar to 52.204-24, this provision requires representation regarding the provision or use of covered telecommunications equipment or services.

• Item Unique Identification and Valuation (252.211-7003): Requires contractors to provide unique item identifiers for delivered items meeting specific cost thresholds or designated for special tooling/test equipment. Detailed reporting requirements for these identifiers are outlined.

• Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) Payment Instructions (252.232-7006): Outlines the mandatory use of the WAWF system for submitting vendor payment requests and receiving reports, including specific document types and routing data.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Inspection and Acceptance: To be performed at Army Research Laboratory, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783-1138.

• Payment Terms: Less than net thirty (30) days are unacceptable.

• Exceptions: Any exceptions or conditions to the solicitation must be set forth in a cover letter.

• Award: No award will be made for less than the full quantities solicited; offers proposing less will be considered nonresponsive.

• Foreign Nationals: Offerors expecting to employ foreign nationals must submit documentary evidence of employment eligibility.

• Single Source Intent: The Government intends to solicit only one source, 3SAE Technologies, Inc., under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). However, all proposals received by the closing date will be considered.

• Work Hours: Normal work hours are 7:45 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday through Friday. Contractors are not permitted to work on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays unless authorized.

• Identification of Contractor Employees: Contractor personnel must clearly identify themselves as contractors in various situations and wear identification badges.

• Government-Contractor Relationships: Emphasizes that services are non-personal and no employer-employee relationship exists.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Subpart 12.6. The government intends to solicit only one source, 3SAE Technologies, Inc., for the purchase of one PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS) with specific high-accuracy and uniform heating distribution characteristics. This notice serves as the only solicitation; proposals are requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued separately.

• Primary Item: One (1) 3SAE Pentapod Fusion Splicer (PFS).

• Associated Items: Training, Travel, and Shipping/Handling.

• Fusion Splicing System Requirements:

  • Endcap Splicing Capability for experimental and unconventional fibers.
  • Twelve-Axis Motion Control (6 axes each for fiber and endcap) with specified resolution and accuracy.
  • Uniform circumferential heating system.
  • Large Diameter Handling (125 μm to 2.5 mm, with optional holders up to 12 mm).
  • Advanced Machine Vision with orthogonal live views and splice scanning.
  • Portability for movement between laboratories.
  • Includes PC with necessary software, monitor, fiber holder carriages, and accessory kit.
  • Supports advanced splice calibration.
  • One (1) year manufacturer's parts and labor warranty.

• Delivery Timeline: Within twelve (12) weeks after contract award (ACA).

• Place of Delivery/Performance: U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD 20783-1138.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be for commercial items.

• Financing: Contract financing cannot be provided per FAR 32.003.

• Response Date: Five (5) Business Days after posting by 11:59 AM EST.

• Submission Instructions: Offers are due by the response date to MJ Kang-Jones via email at myoung.j.kang-jones.civ@army.mil.

• Evaluation Criteria: N/A, as this is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source. However, the government will consider all proposals received prior to the closing date and time.

• NAICS Code: 335921 (Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing).

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Set-Aside Code: N/A.

• Sole Source: Intended award to 3SAE Technologies, Inc. (Cage Code: 3BCV4).

• This acquisition is not rated under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS).

• Applicable FAR/DFARS clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and in full text, including those related to System for Award Management (SAM), cybersecurity, and payment instructions.