PKB_FY26 DFPM Filter Wheels NOI.docx

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This is a special notice prepared in accordance with (IAW) the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (hereinafter referred to as RFO) 5.101 – Presolicitation Notice. The contracting office for this notice is the 10th Contracting Squadron, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to Diffraction Limited, Inc., located at 5-33 Roydon Place, Ottawa, ON K2E 1A3, Canada. The authority for this non-competitive award is 10 USC 2304(c)(1), which allows for acquisitions where only one responsible source can meet the agency's needs.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 333310, and the Product Service Code (PSC) is 6650. The small business size standard is 1,000 employees. This notice incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through RFO effective 1 February 2026. The Government has deemed Diffraction Limited, Inc. a responsible contractor.

Justification for Sole Source:

The Government has determined that Diffraction Limited is the only source capable of meeting the Government's critical requirements for the following reasons:

· Standardization and Interoperability: The required filter wheels are for the Falcon Telescope Network (FTN), a global network of telescopes. To ensure seamless automation, data integrity, and operational consistency across all sites, it is imperative that all components are identical. The existing FTN exclusively uses Diffraction Limited's SBIG filter wheels.

· Proprietary Design and Compatibility: The current FTN infrastructure is built around the specific design and specifications of Diffraction Limited's filter wheels. Salient characteristics essential for the mission include:

· Mechanical Configuration: A 10-slot wheel configuration capable of holding 50mm square filters, which is not offered by other manufacturers. This is necessary to utilize the Academy's existing inventory of scientific optical filters.

· Stackability and Back-Focus: The ability to stack filter wheels in pairs with a minimal back-focus of 0.65" (16.5 mm). Alternative products do not meet this requirement, which would cause physical interference with the telescope's optical train.

· Software and Automation: The FTN's automated observation scripts and control software (MaxIm DL) are configured to work specifically with Diffraction Limited's hardware and ASCOM drivers. Introducing a different manufacturer's product would require significant and costly redevelopment of the control software and would lead to extensive operational downtime.

A comprehensive market survey confirmed that no other manufacturer produces a filter wheel system that meets all of the Government's mandatory requirements.

REQUIREMENT:

A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE POSTED. Based on market research conducted, the Government intends to proceed with this sole source action. This synopsis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. IAW RFO 12.102(a), a separate Justification and Approval will not be posted as this requirement is valued below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement. Interested concerns must show clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Responses and questions regarding this notice of intent to sole source shall be submitted to marissa.morris.4@us.af.mil AND melinda.lingley@us.af.mil no later than 10:00 AM, MDT on 9 July 2026. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW RFO 52.212-1(c) and will not be answered. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://sam.gov/. The Government bears no legal liability for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.