Q-Band Sensors
ID: 25C-359A-RFType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA2263 AFLCMC WNMKHEATH, OH, 43056-6116, USA

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/0c19bcc6b491417189fe8ca0df91c667/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Metrology Calibration Program (AFMETCAL), is seeking information from potential sources regarding the procurement of Q-Band Waveguide Mounts, with a total estimated quantity of three units over one year. This request for information (RFI) aims to gather insights on current market capabilities to support the development of these mounts, which are critical for a Waveguide Calorimeter System operating in the 18-50 GHz range, addressing the need for improved precision in RF power measurements. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant documentation by April 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with responses directed to Megan Moretti or Frank Capuano via email or fax, as specified in the notice.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Q-Band CCG SOW Rev 2.pdf
    The document outlines a Statement of Work (SOW) for the Air Force Metrology and Calibration (AFMETCAL) program regarding the development of Q-Band Waveguide Mounts critical for a Waveguide Calorimeter System operating in the 18-50 GHz range. The Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL) seeks to acquire three Q-Band Mounts due to the lack of manufacturers and the failure of existing units. The project is divided into five phases, starting with equipment acquisition and ending with delivery, acceptance testing, and training. Key deliverables include design data, test reports, user manuals, technical documentation, and a final project report. The mounts must meet specific technical requirements such as a frequency range of 33-50 GHz, a power range of -20 to +10 dBm, and an RF input resistance of 50 Ohms, maintaining a targeted uncertainty goal of 1.7% at a 95% confidence interval. Additionally, quarterly progress reports are mandated to track project advancements, addressing any milestones or challenges. This project highlights the government’s focus on improving precision in RF power measurements, ensuring compliance with technical standards, and enhancing operational capabilities. Overall, the SOW establishes a structured approach for procuring essential measurement technology while emphasizing documentation and testing protocols.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Q-Band Sensors
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System - REVISED
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for a Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System intended for Special Warfare operations. This system is crucial for Guardian Angel teams to rapidly locate isolated personnel emitting radio frequency (RF) signals, enhancing their operational effectiveness in critical situations. Key requirements for the system include high direction finding accuracy, a broad frequency range of 500 KHz to 6 GHz, a lightweight and rugged design, and interoperability with existing equipment, among other capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses detailing product capabilities and associated costs by January 2, 2026, to Jamie Sclafani at jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil.
    Request for Information (RFI): Optimized Machining Parameters for AerMet 100
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on optimized machining parameters for AerMet 100, a high-strength alloy critical for aerospace applications. The objective of this RFI is to identify current industry capabilities and solutions that can enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent high-quality output, particularly for landing gear components. The USAF is seeking information on company capabilities, recommended machining parameters, tooling solutions, and cost estimates, with responses due by December 22, 2025, and questions accepted until December 8, 2025. Interested parties can contact Randolph Hildebrandt Jr. at randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil or Andrew Gross at andrew.gross.4@us.af.mil for further details.
    Calibration Kit Radio Frequency
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD), intends to award a sole-source contract to Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. for the provision of a Calibration Kit Radio Frequency. This procurement specifically requires a 50 Ohm, 2-port, 1.85mm calibration kit to support high-frequency network analyzers operating up to 67 GHz, which is critical for maintaining the operational capacity of the RF lab following a recent $1.5 million contract aimed at enhancing its capabilities. The selected vendor must deliver the complete calibration kit within 60 days of contract award to the NSWC IHD location in Indian Head, Maryland. Interested parties must respond by July 28, 2025, at 10 AM (EST) and direct their inquiries to Shannon Wooten at shannon.cloud-wooten@navy.mil, ensuring they are registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
    Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier rental
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), is seeking quotes from small businesses for the rental of two S-band Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA) under the combined synopsis/solicitation RFQ N0016726Q1026. The amplifiers must meet specific operational parameters, including a frequency range of 2-4 GHz and a power output of 4kW, which are critical for various defense applications. Quotes are due by December 23, 2025, at 12 PM EST, and will be evaluated based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, with deliveries scheduled in phases from January to April 2026 to Bethesda, Maryland. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Steven Besanko at steven.besanko@navy.mil and ensure compliance with all relevant FAR and DFARS clauses.
    Fixed Base Weather Observation System (FBWOS) Program AN/FMQ-23 Production
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for the production of the Fixed Base Weather Observation System (FBWOS) Program AN/FMQ-23. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify companies capable of producing the AN/FMQ-23 weather systems, which are essential for accurately measuring and reporting various weather parameters in compliance with Department of Defense and Air Force standards. The production of these systems is critical for automated weather observations, supporting military operations and decision-making. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a capabilities package detailing their experience, production capacity, and compliance with ITAR by October 17, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Kathryn Mackessy at kathryn.mackessy@us.af.mil or Capt Christopher Thier at christopher.thier@us.af.mil.
    REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: AFLCMC/WING IMAGING AND TARGETING SUPPORT FISCAL YEAR 2027
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WIN), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on next-generation airborne Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities for its Wing Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program for Fiscal Year 2027. The RFI aims to identify promising technologies and projects that can enhance the Air Force's GEOINT sensors and sensemaking capabilities, focusing on three specific mission areas outlined in the 2024 US Air Force Chief of Staff One Force Design document. Interested parties are invited to submit white papers and tri-charts, particularly in the realm of quantum sensing technologies, with projects expected to have a budget of less than $2.5 million annually and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6, aiming for TRL 6 or higher. Submissions are due by January 19, 2026, at 1600 EST, and a virtual Industry Day will be held on December 15, 2025; for inquiries, contact the Program Manager at AFLCMC.WING.ITS@us.af.mil.
    RF OUTPUT ASSEMBLY
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency, is soliciting proposals for the RF Output Assembly, a critical component in communications equipment manufacturing. This procurement requires adherence to specific quality standards, including ISO9001, and emphasizes the importance of item unique identification and valuation, as well as compliance with various inspection and acceptance protocols. The RF Output Assembly is vital for ensuring reliable communication systems within military operations. Interested vendors should submit their quotes by December 16, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Giovanna Poppleton at GIOVANNA.POPPLETON@DLA.MIL for further details.
    AN/ALQ-172 Repair
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking potential sources for the repair of redesigned AN/ALQ-172 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) as part of a Request for Information (RFI). The procurement focuses on several specific NSNs, including 5865-01-718-3672EW (LRU-4), TBD (LRU-8 P/N 2624708G007), 5865-01-668-8772EW (LRU-10), and 5865-01-669-5621EW (LRU-12), due to a lack of complete repair data and serviceable assets, with no funding available for reverse engineering. This initiative is currently a sole-source effort with L3Harris, but the RFI encourages responses from both large and small businesses, including joint ventures, to showcase their repair capabilities and quality assurance processes. Interested parties must submit their responses by January 5, 2026, to Kenneth Dickman at kenneth.dickman@us.af.mil, with participation being voluntary and no reimbursement provided for submissions.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire Sub-THz VNA extenders and a high-power amplifier to support its CHIPS program focused on high-frequency transistor characterization. The procurement includes specific requirements for WR6.5, WR5.1, and WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders, as well as a D-band waveguide amplifier, all of which are critical for developing a unique microelectronic measurement setup essential for semiconductor testing. This equipment is vital for enhancing measurement capabilities and accelerating the development of next-generation microelectronic devices. Interested vendors must respond by December 23, 2025, with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Probes
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of five 220 GHz on-wafer probes to support its CHIPS program. The probes are essential for manufacturing on-wafer standards for S-parameters and power measurements up to 330 GHz, with the goal of providing known permittivity measurements for on-wafer traceability. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant product information to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov by December 15, 2025, as this notice is for market research purposes and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.