Phantom High-Speed Camera

Sole Source Justification

This document justifies the sole-source procurement of Vision Research's Phantom high-speed camera systems for the 2nd Range Operations Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base. These cameras are critical for high-speed engineering imaging of space launch missions.

• Product: Vision Research Phantom high-speed camera systems.

• Specifications: 4.2 Megapixel, 2560px X 1664px resolution, minimum 9350 fps internal RAM storage for 3 seconds, 1TB removable storage, CMOS sensor, 1us exposure time, Global Shutter, 12-bit depth, Color ISO 4,000, MISB Standard - IRIG B time stamping, 3G-SDI real-time video out, on-board storage.

• Ancillary: Phantom Camera Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Fischer 8 Pin Shielded for control.

• Authority: DAFFARS 5313.501 (10 U.S.C. 3572) and DAFFARS 5313.501 (10 U.S.C. 3403).

• Funding Level: Not explicitly stated, but falls within simplified acquisition procedures.

• Estimated Contract Cost: Not specified in the provided excerpt.

• The requirement will be posted to SAM.gov to allow for competition to determine fair and reasonable pricing.

• Market research indicated a brand name requirement, with several authorized dealers expected to submit quotes.

• Not applicable as this is a sole-source justification.

• This is a tech refresh to replace aging Phantom V341 camera systems, which are no longer supported by the manufacturer.

• The new cameras must be form, fit, and function compatible with existing mobile optics tracking systems to avoid costly re-engineering and schedule delays.

• The proprietary Ethernet cable unique to Vision Research products makes other manufacturers' cameras incompatible with the required control infrastructure.

• Future acquisitions may involve an RFI or Sources Sought notice to explore competition.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "FY26 FETLV 3642TS 2ROPS/DOP FM9 PHANTOM CAMERA REPLACEMENT." The government is procuring specific camera equipment and related accessories.

• Phantom KT-1640 Camera System (156GB RAM, 4.2 Megapixel, 3700 fps internal RAM storage, MISB Standard, IRIG B time stamping, Real Time Video Out 3G-SDI, 128GB On Board Storage, 10 Gb Ethernet).

• VRI-CFX-CARD-1TB CFEXPRESS 4.0 Type B (1 TB removable storage device).

• VRI-CFX-READER (CFX Card Reader).

• VRI-MNT-KT-EOS Lens Mount (Canon EOS Lens Mount, compatible with Canon EOS lens control).

• Kit, Case, Carry W/Wheels and Custom Foam for T-Series Cameras (Ruggedized, waterproof, custom foam).

• VRI-MNT-T SERIES - EOS LENS MOUNT (Canon EOS Lens Mount, compatible with Canon EOS lens control).

• Phantom Camera Ethernet Cable, Cat6 8 Pin Shielded.

• Solicitation Number: FA461026Q0012

• Solicitation Issue Date: 24 Feb 2026

• Offer Due Date: 04 Mar 2026, 12:00 PM

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price for all listed items.

• Delivery Requested By: 30 Apr 2026 for all items.

• FOB Details: Contractor Destination.

• Proposals consist of two parts: Part I - Price and Part II - Technical.

• Part I (Price): Offerors must fill in pricing information on SF1449, including Block 12 (Discount terms), Block 17a (Name/POC/address), Block 26 (Total Award Amount), Block 30a (Signature), Block 30b (Name/Title), and Block 30c (Offer date). Unit prices must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

• Part II (Technical): Offerors must submit a technical proposal detailing how they will meet the specifications and characteristics listed in the attached salient characteristics and brand name justification. Technical quotes will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis (Acceptable/Unacceptable).

• Offers must be submitted electronically to the points of contact listed.

• The acquisition is listed as UNRESTRICTED.

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: 333310

• Size Standard: 1,000 Employees

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Attachments include: Attch 1_Salient Characteristics and Attch 2_Sole Source Justification.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain any information relevant to the opportunity itself, such as requirements, scope, or deadlines. It serves only as a notification that the actual document is protected and inaccessible with the current viewing software.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a High-Speed Digital Video Camera Requirement for the 2 ROPS Mobile Optics Section. It details specific technical specifications and required components for the mission support equipment.

• High-Speed Digital Camera: Requires 4.2 Megapixel resolution, 2560px x 1664px recording at 3700 fps with 6 seconds internal RAM storage, CMOS Back Side Illuminated sensor, 1us exposure time, Global Shutter, 12-bit depth, MISB Standard - IRIG B time stamping, 3G-SDI output, 128GB onboard storage, and 10 Gb Ethernet.
• Lens Mounts: Requires 5 each Nikon F Style Lens Mounts with manual IRIS control and 5 each Canon EOS Lens Mounts with Canon EOS lens control (OEM replacement parts).
• Storage: Requires 10 each 1TB CFExpress 4.0 Type B cards and 5 each CFX Card Readers compatible with CFExpress 4.0 Type B cards.
• Accessories: Requires 5 each ruggedized, waterproof carrying cases with handles and wheels, and 10 each Phantom Camera Ethernet Cables (Cat6 Fischer 8 Pin Shielded).

This document specifies the exact technical requirements and quantities for a camera system. Bidders must ensure their proposed equipment meets or exceeds these salient characteristics to be considered compliant. It also lists key personnel for inquiries: Dan Liberotti and Tony Vauclin.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification, which outlines the rationale for procuring goods or services from a single source without full and open competition. It details the necessity for the acquisition, the statutory authority, market research conducted, and efforts to ensure competition.

• Contracting Activity: 30 CONS, Vandenberg SFB, CA.
• Requirement: Purchase of Vision Research's Phantom high-speed camera systems for the 2nd Range Operations Squadron to support space launch missions.
• Justification: The existing Phantom V341 camera systems are aging and unsupported. The new cameras must be compatible with existing mobile optics tracking systems, requiring a direct replacement with specific form, fit, and function. The proprietary Ethernet cable required for control is unique to Vision Research products.
• Supplies/Services: 4.2 Megapixel High-Speed Digital Camera systems with specific recording rates (9350 fps), internal RAM storage, removable storage, sensor type (CMOS), exposure time, ISO, and IRIG B time stamping. Also includes Phantom Camera Ethernet Cables.
• Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901 (Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and 41 U.S.C. 1903 (Special Emergency Procurement Authority).
• Market Research: Identified the requirement as Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS). While other cameras met some specifications, only the Phantom KT-Series meets all required salient characteristics. Previous sole-source awards to Vision Research for similar cameras were noted.
• Competition: The requirement will be posted to SAM.gov to allow for quotes. Future acquisitions may involve an RFI or Sources Sought notice to assess competition.

This document indicates a sole-source justification for a specific brand of high-speed camera system. While it will be posted to SAM.gov for quotes, it highlights the specific technical requirements and the brand preference due to compatibility needs. Bidders offering compatible systems or authorized Vision Research dealers may be interested in responding.