Bid guide
How to bid on a Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube Force Balance for the US Air Force Academy
What the Air Force Academy is buying
The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) needs to purchase a force balance for its Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube (M6LT) facility. This equipment is essential for the Dean of Faculty Department of Aeronautics (DFAN). This is a firm-fixed-price purchase order for a commercial product.
This opportunity is a 100% small business competitive set-aside, meaning only eligible small businesses can submit quotes. Vendors should review Attachment 1, "FA700026Q0081 Salient Characteristics," to understand the specific technical requirements for the force balance.
Key dates and deadlines
This solicitation was published on July 23, 2026. If you have questions about the solicitation, they must be submitted by August 4, 2026. The final deadline for submitting your quote is August 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM MDT (4:00 PM ET).
Quotes must be emailed to [email protected] by the deadline. The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time, and no award will be made until funds are available.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for small businesses that can supply a force balance meeting the technical specifications outlined in Attachment 1. Firms specializing in scientific or aerospace testing equipment, particularly those with experience in high-speed aerodynamic facilities, would be well-suited.
Given the Buy American Statute preference, vendors offering domestic end products are preferred. Foreign offers will be evaluated according to R-DFARS 225.502.
How to respond
To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view some documents.
Your complete submission package must be emailed to [email protected] by the deadline. It must include a completed and signed SF1449 (with SAM UEI and pricing for CLIN 0001), technical capability documentation, an authorized reseller's certificate (if applicable), verification of active SAM.gov registration with completed FAR and DFARS representations and certifications, and a completed and signed Buy American Certificate (Attachment 2).
Tips for a competitive response
Ensure your quote is complete and addresses all requirements. Incomplete submissions may be considered non-responsive. Clearly demonstrate how your proposed force balance meets all salient characteristics listed in Attachment 1 through descriptive literature like illustrations or specification sheets.
The evaluation process prioritizes price, past performance, and technical capability. The government will first evaluate the three lowest-priced quotes for technical acceptability and past performance. Make sure your pricing is competitive and your technical documentation clearly shows your product meets all requirements. Maintain an active SAM.gov registration with up-to-date representations and certifications, as this is a mandatory requirement.
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.