FD70_CL61 Sensor Procurement

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center is conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) to identify commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) advanced weather sensors for the Fixed Base Weather Systems (FBWS) program. The Air Force seeks sensors capable of enhanced detection and measurement of cloud layers, atmospheric conditions, and visibility from surface to 100,000 feet, with desired capabilities including depolarization technology to differentiate hydrometeors, lithometeors, aerosols, and other weather elements. Interested vendors must submit responses including a cover sheet with company details and a two-page description of relevant experience, addressing their ability to produce advanced weather sensors, delivery timelines, production capabilities, industry certifications, and ITAR compliance. The response deadline is October 29, 2025, and submissions should not include proprietary or sensitive information as all materials become government property. This is strictly a market research effort with no guarantee of future solicitation, and companies participate at their own expense.

This procurement opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, limiting participation to qualified small business entities. The RFI indicates the Air Force is seeking production ramp-up capabilities for up to 350 sensors over a 5-year period, providing insight into the potential scope and timeline for any future procurement. No current contractors or incumbents are specifically mentioned in the available documentation, nor are specific budget ranges or award values disclosed at this pre-solicitation stage. The procurement focuses on improving existing weather sensor capabilities with enhanced horizontal and vertical range performance. Companies responding to this RFI should demonstrate their technical capabilities and production capacity to meet the Air Force's advanced weather sensing requirements for the FBWS program.