Bid guide
How to bid on a Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform for the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying
The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research for a modular fiber optic test platform. This system is needed by Base Communications for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. They require a portable, versatile, and rugged solution suitable for field use.
Specifically, the system must include a battery-powered mainframe with at least four slots and 128 GB of memory, without any wireless capabilities. It also needs a quad-wavelength OTDR module (850/1300 nm and 1310/1550 nm) with intelligent link mapping, and an optical test module for Chromatic Dispersion (CD) and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) measurements. All optical test ports must have tool-free swappable connector adapters. The complete system, including a fiber optic loopback mirror, must be delivered in a hard-sided transit case.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on January 8, 2026. Responses are due by December 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM PST (6:00 PM ET).
This is not a solicitation for proposals or a request for bids. The Air Force is using this RFI for market research to identify potential sources and inform a future acquisition. No contract will be awarded based on this RFI, and the government will not reimburse costs for preparing a response. The information provided will help the government develop a future solicitation.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for businesses that can provide specialized fiber optic test equipment. Vendors should have expertise in modular test platforms, optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), and dispersion measurement (CD and PMD).
The requirement for a rugged, portable, battery-powered system with specific memory and no wireless capabilities suggests a need for robust, secure field-ready equipment. Companies that manufacture or supply high-end fiber optic testing equipment, particularly those with government-compliant features, would be well-suited to respond.
How to respond
To respond to this RFI, you must submit your information electronically to Jeff Weeks at [email protected] and Scott Yeaple at [email protected]. The deadline for submission is December 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM PST.
Ensure your email subject line reads: "Response to RFI FA461026SS0001 – Modular Fiber Optic Test Platform." Your response should include your company name and address, point of contact details (name, title, email, phone), CAGE Code, UEI Number, business size, and a brief statement of capability (not exceeding 5 pages) detailing how you meet the specified characteristics. Include any relevant product datasheets.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI and not a bid, a well-prepared response can position your company favorably for future solicitations. Clearly address each salient characteristic listed in Section 3.0 of the RFI. For example, explicitly state how your proposed mainframe meets the battery-powered, four-slot, 128 GB memory, and no-wireless requirements.
Provide specific details and product datasheets for the quad-wavelength OTDR module and the CD/PMD module, highlighting features like intelligent link mapping and modular connector interfaces. Emphasize your ability to deliver the complete system, including the loopback mirror, in a hard-sided transit case. While this is market research, demonstrating a clear, compliant solution can make your company a strong candidate for any subsequent procurement.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Air Force; the original posting controls.