Design and Fabrication of Custom Force-Proportional Tracking Ball Controllers

The United States Space Force, through the Department of the Air Force Space Command, is conducting market research to identify qualified sources for the design and fabrication of custom force-proportional tracking ball controllers. The Government seeks a developmental solution to make existing K-Mount optical tracking systems remote-capable, allowing equipment to operate from locations where personnel cannot be physically present. The primary requirement is to develop a custom remote control interface that integrates with a legacy, non-Windows-based operating system unique to the K-Mount system, as no commercial off-the-shelf solution meets these specifications. Interested parties must submit capability statements limited to five pages that address company information, business size classification under NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services), technical experience in designing custom human-machine interface devices and legacy operating system firmware development, and evidence of at least two similar projects completed within the last five years. The capability statement submission deadline is March 24, 2026, and this sources sought notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a promise to issue a formal solicitation.

This pre-solicitation notice is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, restricting competition to small businesses meeting the applicable size standards. The Government anticipates procuring three custom tracking ball controllers featuring X and Y-axis force-proportional functionality, USB HID communication protocol compatibility with Windows 10 and 11, and a three-inch diameter top hemisphere with a removable desktop base design. Deliverables include operation and service manuals, Windows drivers, comprehensive user documentation, dimensioned mounting drawings, firmware update procedures, and limited post-delivery integration support and user training. The scope encompasses non-recurring engineering, mechanical customization or new system development, custom electrical design modifications, and custom firmware and software development for legacy operating system compatibility, with the Government providing one set of firmware code flash interface hardware for re-flash capability. While no specific award value or budget range is disclosed in this sources sought notice, the comprehensive nature of the custom development work and requirement for three units suggests a moderate to substantial contract value.