How to bid on an Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE for the DEPT of Defense

What the Air Force is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, intends to acquire an Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE system. This equipment is for the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The agency expects to purchase this directly from Oxford Instruments, Plasma Technology.

The Air Force states that this specific system is required because it must be fully compatible with existing Oxford Instruments equipment, software, and established maintenance procedures at the facility. Using a different manufacturer would require a complete overhaul of current laboratory protocols and research methods, leading to significant delays and loss of data integrity.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This notice was published on July 29, 2026. The deadline for interested parties to submit capability statements is August 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. All submissions, questions, and correspondence must be sent via email by this deadline.

This is an intent to sole source, not a request for competitive proposals or quotes. The government will decide whether to proceed with the sole-source award based on responses to this notice.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is primarily for Oxford Instruments, Plasma Technology, as the Air Force intends to award a sole-source contract to them. However, other vendors who believe they can provide the exact Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE system, fully compatible with Oxford Instruments' proprietary software and maintenance, are invited to submit a detailed capability statement.

The relevant NAICS code is 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance) and the Product Service Code (PSC) is J066 (Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment).

How to respond to this notice

To access the full details and attachments like the Statement of Work (SOW) and the Sole Source Justification (SSJ), you will need to view the original source on the portal. You may need a free account to view documents.

If you believe you can satisfy the requirements, you must provide a detailed capability statement. This statement needs to offer clear and convincing evidence of your ability to provide the Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE system, demonstrating 100% compatibility with the proprietary software and maintenance, and meeting all requirements in the Statement of Work. A simple statement of capability is not enough.

All responses and questions must be emailed to Brian Algeo ([email protected]) and Candice Snow ([email protected]). The email subject line must be exactly: "FA8601-26-Q-0101, Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE". Be aware that emails without this exact subject line or with prohibited attachments like .zip or .exe files may be blocked.

Practical tips for your capability statement

Since this is an intent to sole source, your capability statement must be exceptionally strong and specific. Focus on demonstrating how you can meet the exact proprietary requirements mentioned, not just general capabilities. Provide concrete evidence of your ability to supply the Oxford Plasma Pro 100 Cobra 300 ALE system and ensure its seamless integration with existing Oxford Instruments equipment and software.

Ensure your firm has a current Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 (or higher) self-assessment recorded in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) at the time of any potential award. This is a mandatory requirement, and no waivers or grace periods are permitted. Also, be prepared to identify the country of origin for your offered end product and components, as this acquisition is subject to the Buy American Act and applicable trade agreements.