AFRL HQ AVIS Tech Refresh
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY.FA2396 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL PZLE · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is procuring an "AFRL HQ AVIS Tech Refresh" through a small business set-aside. While the notice title indicates this concerns technical refresh activities for AVIS (likely an Automated Visual Inspection System or similar laboratory/headquarters visual information system), see the solicitation for complete specifications, quantities, and performance requirements.
NAICS code 326199 covers "All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing," which in defense contracting contexts often relates to fabricated plastic components, housings, enclosures, or specialized optical/acrylic elements used in imaging, display, or inspection equipment. The federal classification code 7520 corresponds to "Office Devices and Accessories," suggesting this procurement may involve equipment components, peripheral devices, or related office/laboratory technology accessories. The interplay between these classifications indicates the work likely involves manufacturing or supplying physical components for technical equipment refreshment rather than pure services or software development.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Materiel Command, Department of the Air Force |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | COMBO-AFRL-RMZB-2027-0001 |
| NAICS | 326199 — All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 23, 2026, 12:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Ohio |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for small businesses certified in NAICS 326199. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code: generally 1,000 employees for manufacturing NAICS codes unless otherwise specified. You must be registered in SAM.gov with active status and have your size designation current at the time of offer.
Given the AFRL customer and "Tech Refresh" nomenclature, relevant experience might include: precision plastic fabrication, optical component manufacturing, equipment housing/enclosure production, or technical refresh programs for defense or laboratory systems. Prior federal contracting experience is not strictly required for small business set-asides, but familiarity with DFARS clauses, military specifications, and Air Force contract administration strengthens competitiveness. If you lack direct AFRL experience, emphasize transferable technical capabilities and quality certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent).
How to put together a competitive bid
For a plastics manufacturing tech refresh against AFRL requirements:
Technical volume: Focus on material traceability, dimensional tolerances, and any optical or environmental performance specifications. AFRL Headquarters applications may involve cleanroom compatibility, electromagnetic interference shielding, or specific color/finish requirements—see the solicitation for exact material and performance specifications.
Past performance: Cite similar tech refresh or manufacturing replacement programs. Include Department of Defense or federal laboratory customers if available; commercial equivalents with rigorous quality requirements are acceptable substitutes.
Pricing: The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation format suggests this may be a simplified acquisition or commercial item procurement. Review whether the solicitation requests unit pricing, lot pricing, or total package pricing. For small business set-asides, ensure your pricing accounts for any subcontracting limitations if teaming is involved.
Compliance: Verify incorporation of all listed FAR/DFARS clauses. Manufacturing procurements typically include provisions for: inspection and acceptance, first article testing requirements, and domestic source restrictions (Buy American Act or Berry Amendment applicability to plastic components).
Schedule realism: The response window is tight—approximately ten days from posting to deadline. Confirm whether the solicitation allows questions or if amendments are anticipated.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation COMBO-AFRL-RMZB-2027-0001 on SAM.gov immediately to obtain the complete statement of work, delivery schedule, packing and marking requirements, and all applicable contract clauses. Note the firm response deadline of October 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time—late submissions are inadmissible in federal competitive procurements. Given the brief response period, prioritize understanding any proposal formatting requirements and required representations or certifications early in your review.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →