Fiber Optic Draw Tower

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure a Specialty Fiber Optic Draw Tower for the Naval Research Lab (NRL) in Washington, DC. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued. It is prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.2.

The solicitation outlines a specific line item structure for the Specialty Fiber Optic Draw Tower, including components such as:

• Draw Tower Frame
• Preform Feed System
• Preform Pressure Control System
• Furnace & Control System
• Fiber Diameter Measurement Systems (multiple)
• Coating Pressurization Control System
• Independent Acrylate Coating Applicator
• LED Curing System
• Tension Monitors and Capstans
• System Application Documentation
• Project Manager & Installation Supervision
• Packing and Shipping

Detailed specifications for each item are provided in Attachment 1 (Salient Characteristics).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)

• Estimated Delivery Date: 10 Months from Date of Award

• Delivery Location: Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to the Points of Contact listed.

• Response Date/Time: May 22, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.

• Questions Deadline: No later than five (5) days after the Posted Date (May 7, 2026).

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government. Evaluation will consider Compliance with Specifications, Supplier's Past Performance, and Cost/Price, all of which are EQUALLY IMPORTANT.

• Trade-off analysis will be conducted.

• NAICS Code: 333248

• Size Standard: 750 employees

• Set-Aside: N/A - Full & Open Competition

• Registration: Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Equipment: Procurement is for new equipment ONLY, covered by manufacturer's warranty. Vendors must be an OEM, authorized dealer, distributor, or reseller.

• All changes to the solicitation will be issued via amendment on SAM.gov. Vendors are responsible for monitoring for amendments.

• Offerors shall provide a quote with proposed products, country of origin, pricing, product literature, warranty information, and company details. Documentation as an authorized dealer/reseller is required if applicable.

• Alternative line item structures may be submitted if they best reflect the Offeror's practices.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a silica fiber optic draw tower system. Salient characteristics define the essential physical and functional features required for the material or service. This document lists the minimum specifications, capabilities, and features required for the supply.

System Requirements:

• Fully turnkey operation with necessary hardware, software, and ancillary equipment.
• Must fit within a 1.2m wide x 1.2m deep x 9m tall footprint.

Furnace Specifications:

• Resistive, water-cooled, with a maximum temperature of 2300°C.

Preform Specifications:

• Diameter: 10 mm to 50 mm (12-30mm typical).
• Feeding Length: 1.5 m minimum.

Process Speed:

• 1 to 200 m/min (1-50 m/min typical).

Fiber Specifications:

• Diameter: 80 µm to 1000 µm (+/-0.1um).
• Types: Step Index MM, Graded Index MM, Single Mode, Microstructured PCF, microstructured hollow core.
• Tapering: Simultaneous pressure variation for tapering and PCF hole size variation is supported.
• Draw Tension: 0-500gm minimum.

Preform Pressurization:

• 4 independent channels with +500mBar inert gas / -900mBar vacuum (+/-)0.1mBar capability.

Silica Cane and Tubes:

• Preform diameters: 10 mm to 50 mm.
• Preform length: 1.5 m minimum.
• Cane / Tube Diameters: Up to 5mm.
• Process speed: 0.1 to 10 m/min.

Coating Specifications:

• Two independent coating systems with heated reservoirs, pressurization control, bubble stripper, and standard dies for 125um, 250um, and 400um fiber sizes.
• Coating Diameter Measurement: 2 units, with data logging.
• Coating Curing: 2 units of LED UV 365nm 12W/cm, air-cooled.

Data Logging:

• Minimum requirements include logging preform feed speed, fiber draw speed, fiber length, fiber diameter, furnace temperature, fiber tension, preform pressure/vacuum, concentricity, and preform length used.

Software Access:

• Requires software access license with an NDA. The government (NRL) needs access for potential future in-house hardware additions or modifications, which may be subject to ITAR or other foreign disclosure restrictions.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical specifications and capabilities required for the silica fiber optic draw tower system. It details the essential features of the furnace, preform handling, fiber drawing process, coating systems, and data logging. Bidders must ensure their proposed solutions meet or exceed these salient characteristics. The requirement for software access and potential ITAR restrictions are also key considerations for bidders.