Optical Comparator
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 is seeking proposals for an Optical Comparator System for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) precision inspection lab at Arnold AFB, TN. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order. The requirement includes the system, various magnification lenses, illumination, and installation, calibration, and training. Quotes are due by April 10, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Central Time.
Scope of Work
The solicitation is for a minimum of one new, fully functional Optical Comparator System, specifically a Starrett HF750 Series or equivalent, with detailed technical specifications. Key requirements include:
- Hardware: Floor standing unit with minimum 300mm x 200mm X-Y travel, 30" diameter screen, motorized X and Y axes, 330lbs stage capacity, and 17.5" work stage capacity.
- Magnification: 10x, 20x, and 50x lenses, with an option for 100x.
- Illumination: Surface and profile illumination, including retractable duplex fiber optic surface illumination.
- Capabilities: Automatic optical edge detection, part skewing, data retention and transmission.
- Accuracy: Profile accuracy of +/-0.05%, surface illumination accuracy of +/-0.10%, and screen accuracy of +/-0.005 mm per 100mm at 10x lens.
- Services: Installation, setup, test run, and a 3-day training class for up to two personnel.
- Documentation: Installation Guide, Acceptance documents, Maintenance Manual, Electrical Manual, and Schematics.
- Delivery: FOB Arnold Air Force Base, TN, within 8 Weeks After Receipt of Order (WARO).
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business.
- NAICS: 334513 (Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing), size standard 750 employees.
- PSC: 6685 (Pressure, Temperature, And Humidity Measuring And Controlling Instruments).
- Place of Performance: Arnold AFB, TN.
- Warranty: 1-year against defects (parts and labor).
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: April 10, 2026, 10:00 A.M. Central Time.
- Questions Due: April 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M. Central Time.
- Submission Method: Email quotes to bethany.hill.3@us.af.mil and aliyah.moore-minor@us.af.mil. .zip files are not accepted.
- Required Submissions: Technical quote/solution meeting specifications, completed Pricing Worksheet (Attachment 3), and a statement confirming total quoted price includes all delivery costs.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible vendor with the technically acceptable quote and the lowest complete and reasonable price.
- Quote Validity: Vendors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.
- Eligibility: Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation. The Government reserves the right not to award a contract. No contract financing will be provided. Contractors shall not provide any service or product requiring the use of Class I Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).