NOI_Quantum Scaler Magnetometer_FA700026Q0063.pdf

Notice of Intent to Sole Source NOI Quantum Scaler Magnetometer_FA700026Q0063 | USAFA 10 CONS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

High-Performance Quantum Scalar Magnetometers

Notice Type: Notice of Intent (NOI)

Product Service Code (PSC): 6655 – Geophysical Instruments

NAICS Code: 334519 – Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Response Due Date: 13 July 2026, 10:00 AM MDT

1. Introduction The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to award a firm-fixed-price sole source contract to FieldLine Industries (5540 Central Ave, Suite 220, Boulder, CO 80301) for the procurement of four (4) High-Performance Quantum Scalar Magnetometers.

This action will be conducted under the authority of the modernized FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as the Contracting Officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

2. Justification Extensive market research, including a previously issued Sources Sought notice, confirms that FieldLine Industries is the only company capable of manufacturing ultra-precise magnetic field measurement sensors that meet the Government’s strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and performance requirements. Specifically, alternative commercial products cannot meet the critical constraints of achieving a sensitivity better than 1 pT/√Hz while maintaining a sensor head weight of no more than 19 grams.

3. Requirement / Salient Characteristics The required quantum scalar magnetometers must meet the following minimum characteristics:

• Operating Principle: Optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) utilizing an atomic vapor cell.

• Measurement Mode: Scalar measurement mode (absolute magnitude of the magnetic field).

• Sensitivity: Better than 1 pT/√Hz (sub-picotesla range).

• Bandwidth: Frequency response from DC up to at least 500 Hz.

• Dimensions: Sensor head highly compact, not exceeding approximately 20 mm × 20 mm × 40 mm.

• Weight: Sensor head ultra-lightweight, weighing no more than 19 grams.

• Modularity: Separated or modular Electronic Control Unit (ECU) capable of real-time digital signal processing.

• Synchronization: Capable of synchronized operation within a multi-sensor array.

• Orientation: Must not require precise angular alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field.

4. Submission Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive quotes or proposals. However, all responsible sources that believe they can provide equivalent products meeting all salient characteristics may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency if received before the deadline.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Responses must be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist no later than 13 July 2026 at 10:00 AM MDT.

5. Ombudsman

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, Mr. James Anderson, 8110 Industrial Drive, STE 103, USAFA, CO 80840, Telephone number 719-333-2074, FAX 719-333-9018, Email: james.anderson.72@us.af.mil. Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/DRU/SMC ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256- 2431.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

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