Vector Network Analyzer Extenders

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.  This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.  No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice.  The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals) with a small business size standard of 750 employees.  

The Government requires the procurement of Vector Network Analyzer Extenders, and intends to negotiate a sole-source award for this requirement with Virginia Diodes, Inc. 979 Second Street SE, Ste.309, Charlottesville, VA 22902.  Relevant Virginia Diodes, Inc. part numbers and product descriptions for the required Vector Network Analyzer Extenders are as follows:

Item 1, qty. 2 each

Part Number: WR6.5VNATxRxM

• Vector Network Analyzer Extension Module 110-170GHz

Item 2, qty. 2 each

Part Number: N/A

• Integrated Micrometer Driven Output Attenuator for (1) VNA Extension Module

Item 3, qty 1 each

Part Number: WR6.5CK - Extender TRL Cal. Kit

• Consists of: 2SC, 2LD, 1SW, 1QW

Item 4, qty 2 each

Part Number: N/A

• Standard 1.2 meter cable set for VDI VNA TxRx Extension Module
• Includes (1) RF, (1) LO and (2) IF cable required for one module.

The Government has determined that other companies' products do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet the Government's needs. Virginia Diodes, Inc. (VDI) is the only known vendor that commercially offers Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) frequency extender modules that simultaneously meet all of the Government’s technical requirements.  Specifically, only VDI branded VNA frequency extender modules have been found to have a mechanical variable attenuator while also being capable of detecting reflected signal paths with 120 dB of dynamic range, which is critical for detecting wireless signals.  Acceptance of VNA frequency extender modules with less than 120 dB dynamic range would prohibit the Government from performing required research.  Interchanges with VDI have yielded that they are the sole-source provider and do not maintain a network of resellers for their products.  Accordingly, the Government has determined VDI to be the sole-source provider for this requirement.

This is a notice of proposed contract action and NOT a request for competitive proposals; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent by email to: Tabitha.Haggart@us.af.mil. Responses to this notice must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements.

Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete with the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 30 May 2025.

A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award in accordance with applicable regulation.