Request for Information for Near-Field Range Antenna Positioner

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Antenna Positioner for Near-Field Range
Issued by: Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD)
Date of Issuance: 2026-04-29

DISCLAIMER:  THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT, NOR IS A PROPOSAL REQUESTED TO BE SUBMITTED. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) to solicit information and capabilities from potential sources for the procurement of an antenna positioner designed for use in a near-field antenna test range. The positioner will support precision testing of advanced antenna systems.

TYAD has a potential requirement to procure an antenna positioner capable of supporting near-field antenna measurement operations. The positioner should be designed to meet the requirements of precision testing in a near field range environment and include all necessary equipment to enable personnel operation, calibration, and maintenance.

I. SCOPE OF INFORMATION REQUESTED

We are seeking information on commercially available antenna positioner systems that meet the following requirements. Please provide detailed responses to the following:

1. MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Provide details for available DOF (e.g., Azimuth, Elevation, Polarization).
• Accuracy / Precision: Provide details on positioning accuracy, repeatability, and resolution.
• Load Capacity: Provide the maximum load capacity of the positioner, including overhung moment capacity.
• Speed: Provide the speed of the positioner’s movements in each DOF.
• Range of Motion (ROM): Provide the positioner’s ROM in each DOF.
• Mounting & Cable Management: Provide details on the mounting interfaces and any integrated cable management or rotary joint features to protect cables during motion.
• Dimensions: Provide the size characteristics of the equipment and the footprint it will occupy.
• Alignment: Provide details on the systems used for aligning the positioner.

1. ELECTRICAL AND CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

• Motor & Feedback: Specify motor types (e.g. servo, stepper, or other) and feedback systems (e.g., encoders).
• Control Interface: Detail the compatible communication protocols that are supported (e.g., Ethernet, RS-232/RS-485, GPIB, USB).
• Power: Detail the required power (voltage, amperage, phase).
• Cybersecurity & OS: Specify the operating system used by the controller and whether the system can operate stand-alone / air-gapped.

1. SOFTWARE & INTEGRATION

• NSI-MI Compatibility: Detail the capability to integrate within an existing NSI-MI environment, including available drivers or APIs.
• Automation: Describe support for automated test sequences and scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Data Synchronization: Detail how position data is processed for synchronization with measurement receivers.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL & RF INTEGRITY

• EMI / EMC & RF Reflections: Describe the material composition and any design features intended to minimize RF reflections or scattering within the test zone.
• Vibration Isolation: Detail damping features to avoid measurement interference.
• Temperature: Provide operational and storage temperature ranges.

1. CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Calibration: Detail the recommended schedule and traceable standards for position accuracy, along with the required calibration tools and documentation.
• Support: Detail the recommended maintenance schedules, spare parts availability, and technical support options.

1. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Hardware and Accessories: Provide details on all necessary hardware and accessories for installation and operation.
• Installation & Services: Detail the available installation and commissioning services.
• Shipping: Specify estimated shipping details and costs.
• Manuals: List available installation, operation, and maintenance documentation.

II. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Interested businesses should submit a brief capabilities statement package (no more than ten 8.5 X 11-inch pages, font no smaller than 10 point) demonstrating the ability to provide the products/systems listed in this Technical Description. Documentation should be in bullet format.

If your organization has the potential capacity to provide the required products/systems, please include the following vendor information in your submission:

1. Company Overview: Organization name, address, website address, and type of ownership.
2. Points of Contact: Primary POCs including Name, Title, Phone, and Email.
3. Experience: A brief overview of your company’s experience in providing similar positioner systems.
4. References: References from customers who have procured similar systems, if available.
5. Capability Statement: Tailored capability statements addressing the technical requirements of this notice, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements.

Your response to this RFI, including the capabilities statement, shall be electronically submitted in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) via email to the following technical points of contact:

• • James Harris:  james.t.harris208.civ@army.mil
  • Ricky Saunders:  ricky.saunders.civ@army.mil

Submissions must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 15 May 2026. Please reference the synopsis/RFI number in the subject line of the e-mail and on all enclosed documents.

No phone or email inquiries regarding the status of a potential subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) will be accepted. Information and materials submitted in response to this request WILL NOT be returned. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED MATERIAL. All data received in response to this RFI that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.