SAM #FA860127Q0017

Sole-source focusing schlieren system for AFIT wind-tunnel diagnostics

The Department of the Air Force is seeking a specialized focusing schlieren system for AFIT’s high-speed wind-tunnel airflow diagnostics. - Buyer: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/PZIBA), for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). - Procurement: One portable, integrated, self-aligning focusing schlieren system, with a proposed sole-source award to RH Technologies, LLC. The anticipated contract type is firm-fixed-price; this notice is not a request for competitive quotations. - Key requirements: Self-aligning optics for rapid setup, reliable operation in high-vibration environments, a compact enclosure, an integrated physical grid and light source, adjustable field and relay lenses, and use with a passive retroreflective surface opposite the flow. - Deliverables: One optical head, one compatible tripod or mounting system, and user manuals and operating instructions. The contractor must also provide in-person installation, verification, and user training, with associated costs included in its proposal. - Sole-source rationale: The Air Force identifies RH Technologies as the only known source meeting the essential requirements. Its system uses technology licensed from NASA under U.S. Patent 11,650,151. MetroLaser, Inc. was assessed as noncompliant because its system requires an active digital display and does not have the specified inherent vibration resistance. - Schedule and warranty: The complete system is due within three months after contract approval. A one-year warranty begins upon receipt. The notice does not state a calendar period of performance. - Competition: Other responsible sources may submit information for the Government to consider whether competition is appropriate.

Description

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

The United States Air Force, AFLCMC/PZIBA, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-5344 publishes this notice of intent to award a sole source contract for informational purposes only. This proposed action is for the acquisition of a Self-Aligning Focus Schlieren System  for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) located at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433.

The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13-106-1(b)(1), “Contracting officers may solicit from only one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available”, resulting in a firm fixed price contract. The Contracting Officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available: RH TECHNOLOGIES LLC.

This proposed procurement will be a Sole Source under North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS) 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. Business size standard is 1,000 employees. 

The proposed source is RH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

722 Reeves DR

Grand Forks, North Dakota

58201-4920, United States

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, quotation, or exception to the intent to purchase on a sole source basis, which shall be considered by the Government if received within five (5) days of this notice. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

In order to comply with FAR 5.207(c)(15), the reason for lack of competition is as follows: The proposed vendor, RH TECHNOLOGIES LLC, is the only known source able to satisfy the government's requirements.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has determined the System for Award Management (SAM) to be the single DoD registration for contractors who conduct business or who are interested in conducting business with the DoD.  Contractors must be registered in SAM prior to award for contracts issued after 29 May 2012.  You may contact SAM at 866-606-8220. SAM website:  www.SAM.gov.

The contact for this acquisition is Mark Hager and Linh Jameson. Any information should be e-mailed to mark.hager.3@us.af.mil and  linh.jameson@us.af.mil no later than 2:00 pm Local (Wright-Patterson AFB) Time, Monday, 02 November 2026. Only inquiries/information received by this date will be considered.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “Self-Aligning Focus Schlieren System”. Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files).  Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters.  Also, be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB.  If sending attachments with e-mail ensure only .PDF, .doc, or .xls documents are sent.  The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.

Attachments:

Statement of Work (SOW) Redacted Sole Source Justification

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