Afocal Relay Optics for Cryovacuum Chamber – Market Intelligence Request

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base is seeking market intelligence regarding vendor capabilities to design, fabricate, test, and integrate an all-reflective afocal relay system for installation in a cryovacuum chamber. Qualified vendors in NAICS Code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) must demonstrate design experience with afocal relays for cryovacuum chambers, including familiarity with facilities such as the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) and milestone management processes (PDR, CDR, RR). Key technical requirements include fabrication and integration approaches, testing and commissioning methodologies, and delivery of comprehensive data deliverables such as design documentation, test reports, training materials, operational and maintenance manuals, P&IDs, schematics, installation plans, manufacturing plans, FMEA analyses, and system test plans. Vendors must comply with NIST SP 800-171 and Joint Certification Program (JCP) standards, and must demonstrate compliance with 10 U.S.C. 4022 by selecting one of three criteria related to nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, or non-Federal funding sources. Critical deadlines include April 9, 2026 (COB) for CAGE code submission and compliance validation requests, and April 21, 2026 (COB) for market intelligence responses.

This is a pre-solicitation market intelligence request with no set-aside designation, and no award is guaranteed upon completion of this phase. No incumbent contractor or award value is specified in the documentation. The project requires delivery no later than FY27Q4, and vendors must provide budgetary estimates for both a business process prototype phase and full project execution. Vendors seeking access to Distribution D documents containing detailed technical performance parameters must first undergo NIST SP 800-171 and JCP compliance vetting; these sensitive documents will only be released after successful validation of a company's CAGE code and compliance status. The government retains Unlimited Data Rights to all technical data and reports produced under the subsequent contract. Upon contract execution, the selected contractor must implement ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards and provide on-site commissioning support and personnel training.