USMA, West Point, Department of Physics Optic System
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, is seeking sources for PASCO Scientific optics hardware to support its physics curriculum. This is a Special Notice and Sources Sought Synopsis with an intent to award a sole source contract to PASCO Scientific, but the government is actively seeking competitive alternatives from responsible small businesses. Responses are due by February 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for specialized optics hardware, including:
- 60 each OS-8515D Basic Optics Systems
- 15 each OS-8472A Optics Carriages (4Pk)
- 60 each OS-8533A Basic Optics Polarization Analyzers
These items are critical for maintaining technical continuity within the USMA's Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (PANE) laboratory environment at West Point, NY. The hardware must meet stringent mechanical and digital integration standards:
- The OS-8533A Polarization Analyzer must feature a proprietary mounting bracket for direct, secure physical coupling with existing PASCO Rotary Motion Sensors.
- The OS-8515D Optics System and carriages must utilize a "snap-on" alignment feature for consistent optical axis across experiments.
- All components must be natively recognized by PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue software via "Plug-and-Play" drivers to minimize setup time and maximize instructional hours. The existing curriculum is built upon the PASCO software architecture, and the department utilizes proprietary PASCO software licenses and high-sensitivity sensors. The technical necessity for integration with PANE’s proprietary software and hardware ecosystem precludes the use of alternative brands.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Sources Sought Synopsis
- Intended Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) (if sole source or competitive award)
- Set-Aside: None specified; seeking small business capabilities for potential set-aside.
- Response Due: February 18, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
- Published Date: February 05, 2026
- Place of Performance: West Point, NY
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses, particularly small businesses, should provide detailed information to help the government determine if competition is feasible. Submissions should include:
- Identification of factors unnecessarily restricting competition.
- Firm details: name, POC, contact, DUNS, CAGE, business size, small business certifications, and NAICS code (334516).
- Interest in competing as a prime contractor or potential teaming arrangements.
- Detailed information on previous experience with similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe).
- Information on commercial availability, pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and warranties for the required items or equivalent solutions.
- 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's current intent is to award a sole source contract to PASCO Scientific under FAR 13.106-1(b) due to the proprietary nature of the required integration. No quotes or proposals are being accepted at this time.