United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering
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 Army, specifically the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (PANE), has a requirement for PASCO Scientific optics hardware. This is a Special Notice / Sources Sought to procure specific PASCO equipment to maintain technical continuity with their existing physics curriculum and proprietary software architecture. The government intends to award a sole-source contract to PASCO Scientific but is seeking competitive alternatives, particularly from small businesses. Responses are due February 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for specialized laboratory equipment, including:
- 60 each OS-8515D Basic Optics System
- 15 each OS-8472A Optics Carriage (4Pk)
- 60 each OS-8533A Basic Optics Polarization Analyzer
These items must meet stringent mechanical and digital integration standards. Key performance requirements include:
- Proprietary mounting bracket on the OS-8533A Polarization Analyzer for direct coupling with existing PASCO Rotary Motion Sensors.
- "Snap-on" alignment feature for the OS-8515D Optics System and carriages to ensure consistent optical axis.
- Native recognition by PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue software via "Plug-and-Play" drivers.
The hardware must function seamlessly within PANE's established digital infrastructure, precluding alternative brands that would require manual adaptation or third-party software patches.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Sources Sought (considering Firm-Fixed-Price contract)
- Set-Aside: None specified; seeking small business capabilities to support a potential set-aside.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, 1000 Employees)
- PSC Code: 6650 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories)
- Response Due: February 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST
- Published: February 3, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses should provide:
- Identification of factors unnecessarily restricting competition.
- Firm details: name, POC, contact, DUNS, CAGE, business size, small business certifications, NAICS.
- Interest in competing as prime or teaming arrangements.
- Detailed information on previous similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Commercial availability, pricing, delivery, terms, and warranties.
- Recommendations for structuring contract requirements to facilitate competition.
- Recommendations to improve the Army's approach, specifications, or draft PWS/PRS.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract. The government intends to award sole source to PASCO Scientific but encourages all businesses, especially small businesses, to respond to demonstrate capabilities. No quotes or proposals are being accepted at this time.