Sources Sought - Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform

Open Pre-Solicitation Posted

Solicitation number
FA461026SS0001
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
Total Small Business

Opportunity facts

Place of performance
California 93437, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

The 30th Contracting Squadron (30 CONS) of the Department of the Air Force Space Command issued a Request for Information (RFI) on January 8, 2026, to identify sources capable of providing a Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform for base communications operations. This market research initiative seeks vendors who can supply a portable, field-deployable testing solution for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic networks. The system must be modular with a battery-powered mainframe featuring a minimum of four test module slots, 128 GB of internal flash memory, and no integrated wireless or RF-transmitting hardware. The platform must include a quad-wavelength OTDR module capable of testing at multiple wavelengths (850/1300 nm and 1310/1550 nm) with intelligent link mapping functionality, as well as a separate optical test module for measuring chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion. Responses to this RFI are due by December 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM PST, though this is explicitly noted as a market research effort only, and no contract will be awarded based on the responses, nor will the government reimburse response preparation costs.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, restricting competition to small business entities. The RFI does not identify any current incumbent contractors or specify a particular award value or budget range for the eventual acquisition. While the specific quantity being procured is not detailed in the notice, the salient characteristics outline a comprehensive system that will be delivered in a single durable hard-sided transit case, indicating a single integrated platform rather than multiple units. The modular architecture and detailed technical specifications—including the requirement for modular port interfaces, a fiber optic loopback mirror, and intelligent diagnostic capabilities—suggest a sophisticated, specialized testing instrument designed for professional field operations. No timeline for the anticipated solicitation following this market research phase has been provided, allowing the government flexibility in evaluating marketplace capabilities before moving forward with a formal acquisition.

Notice text

Issuing Office: 30th Contracting Squadron (30 CONS)
Date Issued: 8 January 2026
Response Due Date: 12 December 2026, 3:00 PM PST

1.0 Description

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes only. 30 CONS is seeking to identify sources capable of providing a Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform that meets the salient characteristics listed below. The information provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess the marketplace and inform a potential future acquisition.

This is not a solicitation for proposals, a request for quotations, or an invitation for bids. The Government will not award a contract based on this RFI, nor will it reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response.

2.0 Background

Base Communications requires a portable and versatile test solution for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic networks. The system must be modular to adapt to various testing requirements and rugged enough for field use.

3.0 Salient Characteristics

Interested vendors must be able to provide a solution that meets the following minimum technical requirements:

  • The system must be comprised of a modular mainframe and two (2) separate optical test modules as specified below.

  • The mainframe must be battery-powered and provide a minimum of four (4) slots for test modules.

  • The mainframe must have a minimum of 128 GB of internal flash memory.

  • The mainframe must not contain any integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other RF-transmitting hardware.

  • The system must include one (1) quad-wavelength OTDR module capable of testing at 850/1300 nm and 1310/1550 nm.

  • The OTDR module must feature an intelligent link mapping capability that automatically interprets the fiber link and presents it as a simplified, icon-based schematic view with a pass/fail diagnosis for each detected event (e.g., splices, connectors).

  • The system must include one (1) optical test module capable of measuring both Chromatic Dispersion (CD) and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD).

  • All optical test ports on all included modules must feature a modular interface allowing for tool-free swapping of connector adapters.

  • The system must be delivered with a fiber optic loopback mirror with a UPC polish connector.

  • The complete system, including the mainframe and all modules, must be delivered in a single, hard-sided transit case.

4.0 Submission Instructions

Interested parties are requested to submit a response electronically to Jeff Weeks at jeffrey.weeks.5@spaceforce.mil and Scott Yeaple at scott.yeaple@spaceforce.mil no later than 12 December 2026, 3:00 PM PST. Please ensure the subject line of your email reads: "Response to RFI FA461026SS0001 – Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform."

Your response should include:

  1. Company Name and Address.

  2. Point of Contact (Name, Title, Email, and Phone Number).

  3. CAGE Code and UEI Number.

  4. Business Size (e.g., Small Business).

  5. A brief statement of capability (not to exceed 5 pages) detailing your ability to meet the salient characteristics listed in Section 3.0. Please include any relevant product datasheets.

Please ensure the subject line of your email reads: "Response to RFI FA461026SS0001 – Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform."

5.0 Disclaimer

This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will follow. All information received will be treated as public knowledge and will not be considered proprietary unless marked as such. The Government reserves the right to use the information provided to develop a future solicitation.

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