Low background infrared (lbir) bridge

***UPDATE 17June26***Due to PIEE system constraints, the online Offer submission tab is disabled for this Sources Sought Notice (SSN) posting. Contractors are unable to upload responses or capability statements directly through the PIEE Solicitation Module. To ensure your response is received and evaluated, all interested parties must submit their capabilities packages and responses directly via email to the following points of contact: 1. Primary POC: Allen Kurella (allen.kurella@us.af.mil)2. Secondary POC: Thomas Carson (thomas.carson.2@us.af.mil) All other response deadlines, capability requirements, and instructions outlined in the original notice remain unchanged. ***END of UPDATE 17June26***This is a Request for Information (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS. This request is for market research purposes and is not a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The purpose of this RFI is to identify potential sources capable of providing the services currently performed at the Low Background Infrared (LBIR) facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. The Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program (AFMETCAL) is the executing agent for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for this facility. This action is intended to be a short-term bridge contract to ensure continuity of critical services while the Government finalizes the acquisition strategy for a long-term, competitive follow-on contract. The anticipated period of performance for this bridge action will consist of six (6) one-month options, to be exercised as needed. Currently, there are no funds available for this acquisition. The LBIR Facility provides the infrared user community with a calibration base that includes both spectral and broadband measurements in a 20 K background environment. The facility is used for the spectral calibration of low-background infrared detectors, characterization of optical components, and cryogenic transfer radiometers used to evaluate highly collimated infrared sources. A potential offeror must have the immediate capability and expertise to perform these highly specialized services without a break in service or a lengthy ramp-up period. The draft statement of work is attached and it contains more detailed requirements. This synopsis is for planning purposes only and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding partys expense. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. Information Requested from Interested Parties: Offerors responding to this sources sought notice must provide a capability statement that addresses the following:1. Company name, address, CAGE code, and Unique Entity ID. State whether you are a small or large business under NAICS code 541380, and if a small business, include any applicable socioeconomic statuses (e.g., Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, etc.).2. A detailed description of your companys technical capabilities to perform the highly specialized calibration and testing services described above.3. A summary of recent and relevant contract history for the same or similar services. Please include contract numbers, dollar values, and points of contact.4. Confirmation of your ability to begin performance immediately upon contract award to prevent any gap in service. Describe your plan to ensure a seamless continuation of services.5. Provide Point of Contact information (name, title, phone number, and email address).6. Please verify your company is registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Submission Instructions Submit all responses via Solicitation module in PIEE website (link in SAM attachment section). Responses are due by 29 June 2026, 2:00 PM EDT. Early responses are encouraged.