Optical Profilometer replacement
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVAIR.NAVAIR NAWC AD.NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIR DIV · Response deadline: Fri, 09 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is seeking to replace an Optical Profilometer, a precision measurement instrument used to characterize surface topography, roughness, and dimensional features at micro- and nanometer scales. Optical profilometers are commonly employed in manufacturing, quality control, and research environments—particularly in aerospace and defense applications where exacting tolerances are critical for aircraft component performance, wear analysis, and failure investigation.
Under NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), this procurement falls within the broader category of scientific and laboratory instruments. These devices typically use non-contact optical techniques such as interferometry, confocal microscopy, or structured light projection to capture three-dimensional surface data without damaging delicate components. NAWCAD's use likely supports naval aviation research, development, and sustainment activities at its Air Warfare Center facilities.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0042127Q1004 |
| NAICS | 334516 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | 0, MD |
Who can bid
This opportunity is open to all responsible offerors—no small business set-aside applies. Large businesses, small businesses of any socioeconomic category, and potentially foreign entities (subject to Buy American and trade agreement restrictions) may compete. Because NAICS 334516 carries a small business size standard based on employee count, firms should verify their status through SAM.gov, though it confers no bidding advantage here.
Given the specialized nature of optical profilometry, likely bidders include:
- Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of precision metrology equipment
- Authorized distributors with technical support capabilities
- Systems integrators combining hardware with software analysis packages
Vendors should possess demonstrated experience supplying comparable analytical instruments to government or highly regulated industrial customers, particularly those requiring calibration traceability to NIST standards and compliance with MIL-spec or defense contracting protocols.
How to put together a competitive bid
Focus on technical precision over price alone. Government buyers of analytical instruments prioritize measurement uncertainty specifications, repeatability, software interoperability with existing lab systems, and training/documentation quality. Obtain and respond precisely to the solicitation's stated technical requirements regarding resolution, vertical range, and sample stage configuration.
Address lifecycle costs comprehensively. Optical profilometers require periodic calibration, consumables, and potential software licensing. Structure your proposal to explicitly cover warranty terms, service response times, spare parts availability, and operator training—elements often weighted heavily in best-value trade-offs despite no set-aside constraint.
Demonstrate past performance rigorously. Provide relevant contract references for similar instrument deliveries, ideally to DOD or other federal agencies. Emphasize successful installations, user acceptance outcomes, and any exceptional performance ratings.
Ensure regulatory compliance. Verify your product meets applicable defense acquisition regulations regarding data rights, cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012 if applicable), and counterfeit parts prevention. Foreign-manufactured equipment may require additional documentation for national security or trade agreement compliance.
Submit through proper channels. As a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, this notice likely permits offer submission directly through SAM.gov or specified electronic means. Confirm required format and any hard copy requirements.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0042127Q1004—technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and exact delivery requirements are detailed there.
- Note the compressed timeline: posted October 6, 2026 with response due October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET—only three days to prepare and submit.
- Contact the contracting officer promptly with any questions; the brief response window leaves minimal margin for clarification requests.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →