Software Upgrades to the Time and Frequency Reference Measurement Systems
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 Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Virginia is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified and experienced sources for software upgrades to Time and Frequency Reference Measurement Systems (TFRMS) on behalf of the United States Naval Observatory. This effort aims to add TRACER and similar modem support as external references for the TFRMS Clock Ensemble. Responses are due by May 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is to upgrade TFRMS software to accept external time transfer signals from TRACER Modems and similar devices, enhancing the Critical Time Dissemination (CTD) project. Key tasks include:
- Modifying TFRMS software to accept input from TRACER Modems and other approved external reference sources.
- Providing 1PPS, 10MHz (Sinewave), and IRIG (B127) as reference inputs to the Modems using existing TFRMS hardware.
- Outputting offset data with picosecond resolution via a 100Mbps Ethernet interface for 8 channels (Threshold), with potential for 16 channels (Objective).
- Implementing a single-state Kalman filter for data input streams.
- Modifying TFRMS Ensemble software to accommodate 8 or 16 data input streams, including priority and weighting.
- Modifying TFRMS GTF Intercommunication software for seamless transitions.
Performance standards require data output with picosecond resolution once per second and data input streams at a rate of once per second (1kbps transmit rate). No new hardware will be added to the TFRMS.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (for planning purposes only)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Single Award
- NAICS Code: 334519 – Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Size Standard: 600 employees
- Period of Performance: 30 weeks from award date (anticipated)
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
- Published Date: May 1, 2026
Set-Aside
No set-aside is specified for this Sources Sought. However, the Government is determining the acquisition strategy and is specifically seeking information regarding potential small business set-aside applicability, including compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting).
Submission Requirements
Interested sources should email capability statements and/or estimates to Ms. Jordan Walton (jordan.l.walton.civ@us.navy.mil). Submissions, not exceeding seven (7) typewritten pages (12-font minimum), must include:
- Company name, address, POC, phone, fax, email.
- CAGE Code.
- Business size (Large, Small, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.).
- Existing Government contract vehicles (e.g., GSA, SeaPort-NxG) and contract numbers.
- Capability statement demonstrating ability to meet minimum requirements, including relevant past performance (last 5 years, contract numbers, dollar value, period of performance).
- Questions, comments, or feedback on the draft PWS, contract type, or other information.
- Indication of prime contractor capability or subcontractor role, including anticipated subcontracting percentage and business size of subcontractors.
- Specific details and rationale for achieving FAR 52.219-14 compliance if a small business set-aside is determined appropriate.
- Documentation of technical expertise and qualifications, addressing ability to provide required services and estimated time for proposal submission.
Additional Notes
This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not pay for information submitted and respondents will not be notified of results. All questions and answers will be posted as updates to this notice.