LOW BACKGROUND INFRARED (LBIR) SERVICE CONTRACT Bridge

The U.S. Air Force Metrology and Calibration (AFMETCAL) office in Heath, Ohio, is pursuing a sole-source modification to extend the existing Low Background Infrared (LBIR) service contract with Jung Research and Development Corp. (CAGE 3JES1) through a bridge action of up to six months, starting August 1, 2026, and extending through February 28, 2027. This action is justified under FAR 6.102(a)(4) as only JRAD possesses the unique institutional knowledge, specialized expertise, and direct operational experience with critical government-furnished equipment—including the BXR, MDXR, and UXR infrared standards—necessary to maintain uninterrupted calibration services essential to the Missile Defense Agency’s mission. Any transition to another contractor would result in unacceptable delays, substantial duplication of effort, and high technical risk due to the proprietary nature of the facility and the absence of other qualified alternatives. The modification employs six one-month options under FAR 52.217-9 to extend performance only as needed to bridge the gap until the anticipated full and open competition under solicitation FA226326R0001 can be completed; no option is guaranteed to be exercised. Performance is centered at the NIST LBIR facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with additional on-site support required at RMD Tucson, JHU-APL Laurel, AEDC Tullahoma, and NGI Huntsville. All personnel must hold active NIST guest researcher credentials and comply with stringent cybersecurity and IT security protocols. Key personnel include two Ph.D.-level scientists with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in cryogenic infrared systems, one senior scientist with extensive experience in Linde helium refrigerators, and a senior technician skilled in maintaining high-vacuum and cryogenic hardware—all required to work exclusively on-site and not remotely. Deliverables include comprehensive technical documentation such as operation manuals, software design reports, and calibration test results, all subject to unlimited government data rights under FAR 52.227-14. The contract is cost-type, funded through Defense-Wide O&M, RDT&E, and Procurement accounts, with no pricing details disclosed. Interested parties may submit capability statements by July 16, 2026, via electronic submission only, to Allen Kurella, though no formal solicitation is being issued and award remains at the government’s sole discretion based on demonstrated unique capability.