Cadence Pointwise CFD Fidelity Software & Add Ons for AFRL RJD

This requirement is for Cadence Pointwise Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Fidelity Software & Add Ons for AFRL RJD.

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under RFO Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and RFO Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This notice is for informational purposes only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. No contract will be awarded based on offers received in response to this notice.

The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541519 with a size standard of $34M.

AFRL requires 3 perpetual licenses of Cadence Pointwise software to support CFD analysis. This software is essential for generating high-quality computational grids required for accurate aerodynamic and fluid dynamic simulations. The products to be acquired under this contract consist of Cadence Pointwise Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Fidelity Software & specialized Add Ons. In addition, this contract will provide maintenance and support in periods not to exceed one year. The exact quantities and delivery times are not known in advance.

Market research has shown that Cadence Pointwise is a leading software for CFD mesh generation with unique features and scripting capabilities that are integral to the user's current and future work. While other tools exist, none offer the same level of control and compatibility with the agency's established simulation ecosystem. Cadence is the sole developer and provider of Pointwise software. The specialized software is not directly available through a pre-existing Government-wide contract or a DoD Enterprise Software Agreement.

The Government intends to negotiate a sole-source contract for the purchase of the software licenses and maintenance described above. The identified sole-source provider/producer of these systems is as follows:

CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS INC.
Building 5
2655, Seely Avenue
San Jose, California
95134, United States

The Government believes that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government, that is not expected to be recovered through competition, and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Air Force’s requirements including duplicative acquisition planning, coordination, and evaluation, as well as costs related to training, installation, software development, engineering, maintenance, and support, that is not expected to be recovered through competition.

This is a notice of proposed contract action and NOT a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent on or before 12 September 2026 by 9:00 a.m. MT by email to jayce.irby@us.af.mil and catalina.griego@spaceforce.mil.

Responses to this notice must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any responses to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements. Only responses received by this date will be considered.

Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 30 September 2026.

A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award in accordance with applicable regulation.