Vibration Test System

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies Solicitation FA860126Q0012, dated 23 Feb 2026.

Key changes include:

• Extension of the Response Due Date from 11 March 2026 to 01 April 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT.

• Clarification of the brand name requirement for Line Item 0001.

• Addition of miscellaneous text specifying the delivery of an ETS solution shaker and amplifier, and a compatible control system.

• Revision of the attached Statement of Work (SOW) to version 2.0.

• Solicitation/Contract Form (Response Due Date and Time Zone)

• Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs (Line Item 0001 description)

• Attachments (Revised SOW)

The proposal submission deadline has been extended to April 1, 2026. Bidders should ensure their proposals reflect the updated SOW and the clarified requirements for Line Item 0001.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) for the AFIT Vibration Test Systems. It outlines the rationale for procuring the system from a specific vendor (ETS Solutions) on a brand-name basis.

• General Contract Information: Identifies the contracting activity (PZIBA) and the project name (AFIT Vibration Test Systems).
• Description of Supplies/Services: Details the required components of the Vibration Test System, including an 8,800lbf shaker head, 3' x 3' slip table, 1,500 CFM blower unit, signal amplifier, control unit with data collection, delivery/installation, and training. It specifies that the ETS brand name is only required for components identified in SOW section II, paragraphs 1-4.
• Justification for Single Source: Explains that ETS Solutions offers unique capabilities with their proprietary iDOF software for precise control and testing. It also notes that other labs at WPAFB use ETS systems, allowing for easier support, shared hardware/software, and potential cost savings on maintenance.
• Efforts to Obtain Competition: Describes market research identifying six companies. Only ETS provides a system meeting the required frequency range, 32-bit digital to analog conversion, and high-accuracy software for compliant testing. A Sources Sought notice was issued, and only two capability statements were received, with one deemed technically unacceptable due to a 24-bit system specification instead of the required 32-bit.
• Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards: States that while ETS is the sole manufacturer for specific components, authorized resellers can meet requirements. It anticipates that other vendors will improve their offerings in the future.
• Contracting Officer's Determination: The Contracting Officer determined that only a single source is reasonably available.

This document explains why the government is pursuing a single-source acquisition for the vibration test system. Bidders interested in supplying similar systems or components should review the technical requirements and the justification for brand-name acquisition to understand the specific needs and the competitive landscape.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding Solicitation FA860126Q0012 for a Vibration Test System.

• Origin of Shaker: The solicitation requires a brand name ETS Solutions shaker. Due to the Buy American Act, products manufactured in China are not acceptable. Products manufactured in Japan are acceptable as Japan is a qualifying country under DFARS 225.872-1.
• Physical Fit: The vibration test system must fit into the building, down a hallway, and through a specific doorway. Exact dimensions are detailed in Section II of the SOW.
• Payment Terms: The government's stance of 100% payment upon final acceptance/installation is firm.
• Delivery Timeline: While delivery is noted as 12 weeks or less, faster delivery is acceptable. A vendor offered delivery in approximately 2 weeks with a slightly larger slip table (1 meter x 1 meter instead of 800mm x 800mm), which is acceptable provided it fits through the specified doorway and the bolt pattern meets the solicitation's requirements.

This Q&A clarifies acceptable manufacturing origins, confirms payment terms, and provides flexibility on slip table dimensions and delivery timelines, provided all physical constraints and technical specifications are met.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for a Vibration Test System to support environmental testing of spacecraft components and aeronautical research at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The system is needed due to the failure of the previous system and the inability to repair an older one.

• Procurement of a vibration test system including a slip table, shaker, and control/data collection electronics.

• The slip table should be at least 30x30 inches with a low-friction surface and a specific bolt pattern for mounting hardware. An expander head for vertical axis testing may be included.

• The shaker must meet minimum technical requirements including load capacity (29 kN / 6,540 lbf), frequency response range (20Hz to 2,000Hz), and power requirements (480V 3 phase, 60 Hz or 208V 60Hz or 110V 60Hz).

• The shaker control system must include calibration to NIST standards and programmable control profiles for sine sweep, track and dwell, random vibration, and shock test profiles.

• The data collection system requires calibration to NIST standards and a minimum of 8 accelerometer input channels (expandable to 16).

• Test requirements are governed by MIL-HDBK-340A (USAF), MIL-STD-1540D, and GSFC STD-7000A.

• Shaker load capacity: 29 kN (6,540lbf) in sine or random vibration profiles.

• Frequency response range: no less than 20Hz to 2,000Hz.

• Data collection system: Minimum 8 accelerometer input channels.

• Delivery Lead Time: NLT 12 Weeks after contract award.

• Delivery Location: SHIP TO DODAAC: F4F5AV, AFIT/ENY, 2950 Hobson Way, WPAFB OH 45433.

• All delivered hardware must pass through a 70” wide, 78” tall doorway with a 6” wide jam. If the fully assembled unit cannot pass, it must be delivered as sub-assemblies with vendor-provided rigger services for on-site assembly.

• Products delivered must be manufactured in a qualifying country source per DFARS 225.872.

• Contract price includes on-site training for 2 AFIT/ENY technicians and on-site setup and installation.

• Shipping costs, including insurance, are to be included in the proposal. Specific delivery procedures for commercial vehicles, including inspection at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Commercial Vehicle Delivery Gate (CVDG), are detailed.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for a vibration test system to be procured by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The system is needed to simulate harsh vibration load conditions for environmental testing of spacecraft components and to support aeronautical research.

The required system includes a slip table, a shaker, and control/data collection electronics. Key specifications include:

• Physical Constraints: All components must fit through a 60-inch wide, 78-inch tall doorway.

• Slip Table: Minimum 30x30 inches with a bolt pattern of 4-inch centers (M10 or 3/8" SAE threaded holes).

• Expander Head: Must interface with the existing AFIT expander head, or a new one meeting specific bolt pattern and size requirements (minimum 22-inch square).

• Shaker Head: Capable of horizontal and vertical use, with a minimum load capacity of 29 kN (6,540 lbf) in sine or random vibration profiles, and a frequency response range of 20Hz to 2,000Hz.

• Control System: Must include NIST calibration, programmable sine sweep, track and dwell, random vibration, and shock test profiles. Software for minimizing estimation errors and digital drive signals are required.

• Data Collection System: Requires NIST calibration, a minimum of 8 accelerometer input channels (expandable to 16), and software for minimizing estimation errors in PSD plots.

• Delivery Lead Time: NLT 12 Weeks after contract award.

• Delivery Location: AFIT/ENY, 2950 Hobson Way, WPAFB OH 45433.

• Training: On-site training for a minimum of 2 AFIT/ENY technicians is required.

• Installation: On-site setup and installation of the provided system is required.

• Qualifying Country Products: All products must be manufactured in a qualifying country source per DFARS 225.872.

• Warranty: Basic manufacturer's warranty is required.

• Delivery Procedures: Specific procedures for shipping and inspection of commercial vehicles at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are detailed, including gate inspections and potential exemptions.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) for the "AFIT Vibration Test Systems" project. It outlines the government's rationale for procuring a vibration test system from a single source, specifically Brand Name ETS Solutions.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why a single-source award is being considered for a vibration test system. It details:

• Supplies/Services Required: A vibration test system including a shaker head, slip table, blower unit, signal amplifier, control unit with data collection, delivery, installation, and training.
• Justification for Single Source: ETS Solutions is cited as the sole manufacturer capable of providing a system with unique capabilities (proprietary iDOF software for precise control) and meeting specific technical requirements (32-bit digital to analog conversion, high accuracy software for power spectral density testing).
• Existing Infrastructure: Other labs at WPAFB (including AFRL) already use ETS systems, facilitating easier support, sharing of hardware/software/expertise, and potential cost savings on maintenance.
• Market Research: While six companies were identified, only ETS Solutions was found to meet the specific technical requirements after a sources sought notice. Other vendors' capability statements were deemed technically unacceptable.
• Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards: The justification notes that ETS is the sole manufacturer but has authorized resellers, and that other vendors are expected to improve their offerings in the future.
• Contracting Officer's Determination: The Contracting Officer has determined that a single source is reasonably available in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (FA860126Q0012) for a "Vibration Test System." The government is procuring this system, and the solicitation details the requirements, terms, and conditions for potential offerors.

• The primary deliverable is a "Vibration Test System" as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The SOW is attached as "SOW_Vibration_Test_System" dated December 18, 2025.

• The Product Service Code (PSC) is 6640.

• The pricing arrangement is Firm Fixed Price.

• The contract type is not explicitly stated as Firm Fixed Price in the main solicitation block, but page 3 indicates "Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price."

• The period of performance is indicated as "12 Weeks" from the Date of Award.

• The estimated value is not stated in the provided pages.

• Offer Due Date: March 11, 2026, at 01:00 PM.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Evaluation (Acceptable/Unacceptable based on SOW compliance) and Price (lowest evaluated price among acceptable offers).

• Specific submission instructions are detailed within the solicitation, including FAR and DFARS clauses.

• The acquisition is currently set aside as UNRESTRICTED.

• Various small business categories are listed but not checked as set-aside (e.g., Small Business, HUBZone Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, etc.).

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and DFARS clauses by reference and in full text, covering areas such as payment, contract administration, representations and certifications, and special contract requirements.

• Electronic submission of payment requests and receiving reports via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) is required.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334516 with a size standard of 1000 employees.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4_Offeror Representations and Certifications.pdf", contains various representations and certifications required from offerors. It includes FAR and DFARS clauses incorporated by reference and in full text, as well as specific provisions related to commercial products and services.

• FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists numerous FAR clauses (e.g., 52.203-11, 52.204-17, 52.204-24) related to payments, ownership, telecommunications, and responsibility.
• DFARS Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Includes DFARS clauses (e.g., 252.203-7005, 252.204-7016) concerning former DoD officials and defense telecommunications.
• FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: Details specific clauses such as FAR 52.209-11 (Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction) and FAR 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services).
• Definitions: Provides definitions for terms like "forced or indentured child labor," "highest-level owner," "inverted domestic corporation," and various small business categories (e.g., small business concern, small disadvantaged business concern, women-owned small business concern, service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern).
• Representations and Certifications: Includes detailed sections for offerors to represent their status regarding small business, veteran-owned status, HUBZone, Buy American Act, Trade Agreements, and other matters.
• Evaluation Factors for Award: Outlines the factors the Government will use to evaluate offers, typically including technical capability, price, and past performance.

This document is critical for all potential bidders as it outlines the mandatory representations and certifications required to be submitted with their offer. Failure to complete these accurately and in accordance with the instructions may result in an offer being deemed non-responsive or ineligible for award. Bidders must carefully review each section to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements, including those related to business size, socio-economic status, and adherence to various federal regulations and policies.