TISTEF Facility Rental

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) is seeking a two-week rental of the Townes Institute Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (TISTEF) at the University of Central Florida's Kennedy Space Center for infrared laser beam propagation testing. This procurement supports the development of a capability to remotely generate underwater sound from the air, requiring analysis of optical energy loss as lasers propagate through maritime atmospheric conditions. The contractor must provide facility services, test preparation, operational support including daily labor, weather data collection, equipment setup, and coordination with Kennedy Space Center safety offices, while ensuring all personnel complete Laser Safety Training. The government intends to award this contract on a sole-source basis to the University of Central Florida, citing TISTEF as the only facility meeting critical pre-existing operational approvals. Quotes must be submitted electronically by July 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM EST, with a required validity period of at least 60 days, and offerors must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

This solicitation does not utilize any set-aside designations and is being conducted on an unrestricted basis under NAICS code 541380 with a small business size standard of $19 million. The University of Central Florida is identified as the intended sole-source awardee due to their unique facility capabilities and existing operational approvals that would require significant non-recurring engineering costs and schedule impacts to replicate elsewhere. The contract encompasses a 10-weekday rental period with associated support services, including daily reporting requirements as specified in the Contract Data Requirements List. Performance will take place at the TISTEF facility located at the University of Central Florida's Kennedy Space Center in the United States. The work is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research under Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy funding and supports the SS1501 Laser Sensors & Systems program with strict controlled unclassified information protocols governing all activities.