How to bid on a Quantel Q-Smart 850 Excitation Laser for the USAF Academy

What the USAF Academy is buying

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is looking to purchase a brand-name Quantel Q-Smart 850 excitation laser. This will be a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Vendors should note that funds are not currently available for this effort, and no award will be made until funds are secured. The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation.

Key dates and deadlines

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email by 9:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) on September 10, 2026. Answers will be provided through an amendment to the solicitation posting.

Quotes are due by 4:00 p.m. MDT on September 14, 2026. All quotes must be emailed to [email protected]. Vendors are responsible for confirming receipt of their quote; .zip files are not an acceptable format for the Air Force Network.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that can supply the specific brand-name Quantel Q-Smart 850 excitation laser. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 337127, which typically covers industries related to furniture manufacturing or similar categories. This is a commercial item acquisition.

How to respond

To respond, you must provide a quote that meets the specified description and include any applicable descriptive literature, such as illustrations, specification sheets, or product brochures. These documents should clearly show that your quote meets the government's requirements.

You must also complete and submit the Buy American – Free Trade Agreements -- Balance of Payments Program Certificate (R-DFARS 252.225-7035), which is Attachment 3 to the solicitation. Foreign offers will be evaluated according to R-DFARS 225.502. Review page 22 of the attached SF 1449 request for quote for complete submission instructions and page 23 for evaluation factors.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all attachments, especially Attachment 1 for Salient Characteristics and the SF 1449 for detailed instructions and evaluation factors. Ensure your descriptive literature directly addresses how your proposed laser meets every requirement.

Pay close attention to the Buy American Statute requirements and ensure your certificate is accurately completed. Since funds are not yet available, be prepared for a potential delay in award or cancellation, but submit a strong quote nonetheless to be considered if funds become available. Confirm your email submission is received and avoid using .zip files.