Sources Sought, High-Precision Mechanical Positioning Pan/Tilt Systems for Edwards Air Force Base (AFB)

Request for Information (RFI)

Subject: High-Precision Mechanical Positioning Pan/Tilt Systems for Edwards Air Force Base (AFB)

1. Introduction & Purpose (BLUF)

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to conduct market research to identify potential sources capable of providing heavy-duty, high-precision Pan/Tilt units and associated integrated components. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.

2. Background

The 420th Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB requires high-precision mechanical positioning units (pan/tilts) to support various sensor payloads while maintaining full data and command-link integrity with the established network. This equipment serves as a critical node within the current Telemetry infrastructure. The Government requires solutions that not only meet strict physical and environmental performance specifications but also satisfy stringent cybersecurity protocols to avoid unacceptable mission delays associated with new baseline First Article Testing and Risk Management Framework (RMF) certifications.

3. Scope & Requirements

The Government is seeking industry input on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions capable of meeting the following baseline requirements:

Requirement CategoryDescription of Required CapabilityCybersecurity & ATO IntegrationMANDATORY: Must be capable of immediate integration into the installation’s existing NGDATS Authority to Operate (ATO). The solution must not trigger new baseline First Article Testing or a new Risk Management Framework (RMF) cycle.Wireless ProhibitionThe system CANNOT have any wireless technology embedded or active. This is critical for Range security and ATO compliance.Data TransmissionMust provide video and control over a simplex fiber (single-mode) network utilizing standard IP and Pelco D protocols.Mechanical & EnvironmentalMust support inverted mounting (upside down) with a specific design that prevents water pooling and internal seepage. All components must be weatherproof and withstand extreme harsh range environments (up to 131°F, wind, rain, freezing) and shock/vibration events (e.g., sonic booms).Speed & PrecisionMust be capable of movement speeds of at least 30°/second with a position resolution of 0.05° or better, ensuring smooth and precise control.

4. Information Requested from Industry

Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement addressing their ability to meet the stringent requirements outlined above. Responses should specifically address the following:

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  Company Overview: Name, CAGE code, UEI, and business size/socioeconomic status.

  
  


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  Technical Approach: A description of the proposed COTS equipment and how it meets the specific mechanical and environmental constraints (specifically addressing the inverted mounting and extreme temperature requirements).

  
  


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  Compliance Verification: Confirmation that the proposed system strictly operates without wireless technology and can immediately integrate into the existing NGDATS ATO without triggering a 12-month delay for new RMF testing.

  
  


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  Scalability & Control: Details on how the system manages multi-node control using multiple conventional joysticks simultaneously on the same network.

  
  

5. Submission Instructions

Responses to this RFI should be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact (POC) no later than 4:00 PM EST on June 6, 2026.

Primary Point of Contact:

Name: Josiah Broadway

Title: Contract Specialist

Email: josiah.broadway@us.af.mil

Secondary Point of Contact:

Name: Terence Vickers

Title: Contracting Officer

Email: terence.vickers@us.af.mil