This Sources Sought opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on May 28, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Sources Sought, High-Precision Mechanical Positioning Pan/Tilt Systems for Edwards Air Force Base (AFB)
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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AI Contract Overview
The Department of Defense, through the 420th Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry sources capable of supplying heavy-duty, high-precision mechanical pan/tilt positioning systems designed to support sensor payloads on a highly secure network. The equipment must meet rigorous specifications including the ability to integrate immediately into the existing NGDATS Authority to Operate (ATO) without causing delays in Risk Management Framework (RMF) testing, prohibiting any wireless components to maintain range security, and ensuring reliable data transmission via a simplex fiber optic network supporting standard IP and Pelco D protocols. Mechanically, the systems must support inverted mounting while being weatherproof and resilient against extreme environmental factors like high temperatures, shock, vibration, and precipitation, with a speed capability of at least 30 degrees per second and a position resolution of 0.05 degrees or better for precise control. Respondents are requested to provide detailed capability statements describing their company credentials, the proposed Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution’s technical approach, compliance with the no-wireless mandate and immediate ATO integration, as well as scalability in managing multi-node control via conventional joysticks. The submission deadline is June 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, with primary and secondary points of contact provided for inquiries and delivery of response materials. This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to issue a Request for Proposal or contract award.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Edwards, CA, 93524, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Request for Information (RFI)
Subject: High-Precision Mechanical Positioning Pan/Tilt Systems for Edwards Air Force Base (AFB)
1. Introduction & Purpose (BLUF)
The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to conduct market research to identify potential sources capable of providing heavy-duty, high-precision Pan/Tilt units and associated integrated components. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.
2. Background
The 420th Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB requires high-precision mechanical positioning units (pan/tilts) to support various sensor payloads while maintaining full data and command-link integrity with the established network. This equipment serves as a critical node within the current Telemetry infrastructure. The Government requires solutions that not only meet strict physical and environmental performance specifications but also satisfy stringent cybersecurity protocols to avoid unacceptable mission delays associated with new baseline First Article Testing and Risk Management Framework (RMF) certifications.
3. Scope & Requirements
The Government is seeking industry input on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions capable of meeting the following baseline requirements:
Requirement CategoryDescription of Required CapabilityCybersecurity & ATO IntegrationMANDATORY: Must be capable of immediate integration into the installation’s existing NGDATS Authority to Operate (ATO). The solution must not trigger new baseline First Article Testing or a new Risk Management Framework (RMF) cycle.Wireless ProhibitionThe system CANNOT have any wireless technology embedded or active. This is critical for Range security and ATO compliance.Data TransmissionMust provide video and control over a simplex fiber (single-mode) network utilizing standard IP and Pelco D protocols.Mechanical & EnvironmentalMust support inverted mounting (upside down) with a specific design that prevents water pooling and internal seepage. All components must be weatherproof and withstand extreme harsh range environments (up to 131°F, wind, rain, freezing) and shock/vibration events (e.g., sonic booms).Speed & PrecisionMust be capable of movement speeds of at least 30°/second with a position resolution of 0.05° or better, ensuring smooth and precise control.
4. Information Requested from Industry
Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement addressing their ability to meet the stringent requirements outlined above. Responses should specifically address the following:
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Company Overview: Name, CAGE code, UEI, and business size/socioeconomic status.
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Technical Approach: A description of the proposed COTS equipment and how it meets the specific mechanical and environmental constraints (specifically addressing the inverted mounting and extreme temperature requirements).
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Compliance Verification: Confirmation that the proposed system strictly operates without wireless technology and can immediately integrate into the existing NGDATS ATO without triggering a 12-month delay for new RMF testing.
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Scalability & Control: Details on how the system manages multi-node control using multiple conventional joysticks simultaneously on the same network.
5. Submission Instructions
Responses to this RFI should be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact (POC) no later than 4:00 PM EST on June 6, 2026.
Primary Point of Contact:
Name: Josiah Broadway
Title: Contract Specialist
Email: josiah.broadway@us.af.mil
Secondary Point of Contact:
Name: Terence Vickers
Title: Contracting Officer
Email: terence.vickers@us.af.mil