Track Ball Controllers

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for "Track Ball Controllers," described as a remote control solution to operate existing K-Mount optical tracking systems. The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334118, with a size standard of 1000 employees.

• Three (3) Track Ball controllers with minor modifications (AW A1 - Salient Characteristics).

• The product must conform to the salient characteristics outlined in the solicitation.

• Offerors must provide a scale drawing or picture of the proposed unit.

• Technical capability documentation is required, demonstrating the ability to perform non-recurring engineering, design, fabrication, and integration of custom track ball controllers. This includes custom design/engineering, mechanical customization, electrical design modification, custom firmware/software development for communication with legacy systems, and development of a "re-flash" capability for future firmware updates.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implies a firm-fixed-price arrangement for the item.

• Period of Performance: Delivery is due on or before May 29, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Offer Due Date: April 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Price and Technical Acceptability.

• Technical quotes will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis (Acceptable/Unacceptable).

• Pricing information is to be entered on SF 1449, Block 26. Unit prices must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: 100 % FOR: SMALL BUSINESS" with various small business categories listed as options, but not definitively set aside.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors), 52.212-2 (Evaluation Factors for Award), and 52.212-4 (Contract Terms and Conditions).

• Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted through the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system.

• Attachment A1 - Salient Characteristics is referenced.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for Track Ball Controllers, detailing the minimum requirements for the requested equipment.

• Quantity: Three (3) Tracking Balls.
• Functionality: X and Y-axis force proportional tracking ball functionality.
• Interface: USB with HID communication protocol, requiring a 10' minimum USB cable length.
• Compatibility: Must be compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 and 11.
• Firmware: Ability to update firmware post build and install.
• Documentation: Provision of operation and service manuals, including minimum Microsoft Windows drivers, recommended service procedures, basic configuration, zeroing of stick, and firmware update procedures. Any other necessary software or procedures for operation and configuration must also be included.
• Design: Tracking balls must include a base for desk operation and be easily removable for installation into a fixed station without de-soldering or disconnecting the USB cable. Standard Philips or Allen screws should be used for removal. The physical design must allow for both desktop operation and easy removal. A dimensioned drawing of mounting holes, thread pitch, and bellow mounting plate clearance for final station installation is required.
• Ball Size: The top hemisphere of the ball should be approximately 3" in diameter, with a standard form factor tolerance of +/- ¼" from 3" diameter.
• Manuals & Training: Comprehensive user manuals, interface documentation, and all required software/drivers for operation must be created and delivered. Limited post-delivery integration support and user training, along with one set of firmware code flash interface hardware for code re-flash, are also required.
• System Interface: The system must interface with the L3 Brashear digital control system. Proposals must demonstrate proven performance or the technical capacity to modify software libraries for full compatibility.

This document specifies the technical and functional requirements for the track ball controllers. Bidders must ensure their proposed products meet all listed salient characteristics to be considered compliant.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the Track Ball Controller solicitation.

• Control Type: The requirement is for a 2-axis force proportional tracking stick/ball, not a 6-axis "space mouse." The interface should be a half-hemisphere ball, not an aircraft-style joystick.

• Mounting: The unit must be versatile, capable of mounting to a flat surface and also provided with a free-standing base for standalone use. It should be easily removable from the base for future integration into a fixed console.

• Part Number/NSN: No specific Part Number (PN) or National Stock Number (NSN) is currently assigned. The objective is a Form, Fit, and Function (FFF) replacement for the legacy Bokam tracking stick.

• Interface: The new unit must utilize a USB physical interface with a Human Interface Device (HID) software interface for compatibility with L3 Brashear mobile Kinetic Tracking Mounts (KTMs) and DOAMS base control software.

• Control Axis: 2-Axis Force Proportional

• Interface: USB (Physical) / HID (Software)

• Form Factor: Half-Hemisphere Ball (Non-joystick handle)

• Mounting: Dual-use: Free-standing base and flat-surface mountable

• Compatibility: FFF Replacement for legacy DOAMS/KTM tracking sticks

This Q&A clarifies key technical requirements and compatibility aspects, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of three (3) Track Ball controllers with minor modifications. The controllers are intended to provide a remote control solution for operating existing K-Mount optical tracking systems. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 7490.

• Three (3) Track Ball controllers with minor modifications.

• Controllers must meet specified "Salient Characteristics" (referenced as Attachment A1).

• Quoters must provide a dimensioned drawing of the proposed unit.

• Technical capability documentation is required, demonstrating the ability to produce customized track ball controllers, including non-recurring engineering, design, fabrication, and integration.

• This includes custom design and engineering, electrical design modification, custom firmware/software development for communication and control with the legacy operating system, and a "re-flash" capability for future firmware updates.

• Contract type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Delivery Date: On or before May 29, 2026.

• Delivery Location: F4D1R3 MOBILE OPTICS DOP, 867 WASHINGTON AVE BLDG 12000, LOMPOC, CA 93437-6117.

• FOB Details: Contractor Destination.

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: April 24, 2026, 10:00 AM.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Price and Technical Acceptability.

• Price will be ranked from lowest to highest Total Evaluated Price (TEP).

• Technical quotes will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis (Acceptable/Unacceptable).

• An "Acceptable" rating requires conformity with salient characteristics, submission of technical capability documentation, and a dimensioned drawing of the proposed unit.

• Failure to meet any material requirement will result in an "Unacceptable" rating and ineligibility for award.

• This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS): 334118, Size Standard: 1000.

• Offerors are instructed not to alter the electronic version of the RFQ except for filling in pricing information.

• Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference, and these clauses are attached.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for Track Ball Controllers, detailing the minimum requirements for the requested equipment. It serves as a specification for potential vendors to understand the technical and functional attributes of the desired product.

• Quantity: Three (3) Tracking Balls.
• Functionality: X and Y-axis force proportional tracking ball functionality.
• Interface: USB interface with HID communication protocol, requiring a 10' minimum USB cable length.
• Compatibility: Must be compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 and 11.
• Firmware: Ability to update firmware post build and install.
• Documentation: Provision of operation and service manuals, including minimum Microsoft Windows drivers, basic configuration, zeroing procedures, and firmware update procedures. Any other necessary software or procedures for operation and configuration must be included.
• Design: The Tracking Ball must include a desk-operable base and be easily removable for installation in a fixed station without de-soldering or disconnecting the USB cable. Standard Philips or Allen screws should be used for removal. A dimensioned drawing of mounting holes, thread pitch, and bellow mounting plate clearance for final station installation is required.
• Size: The top hemisphere of the ball should be approximately 3" in diameter.
• Support: Creation and delivery of comprehensive user manuals, interface documentation, and any required software/drivers. Provision of limited post-delivery integration support and user training, including one set of firmware code flash interface hardware for code re-flashing.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the precise technical specifications and functional requirements for the Track Ball Controllers. Vendors must ensure their proposed products meet all listed characteristics to be considered compliant. It directly impacts product design, included documentation, and support services that must be offered.