Revised REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AerMet100.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Agency Name: United States Air Force (USAF) Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO)

Request for Information (RFI): Optimized Machining Parameters for AerMet 100

RFI Number: FA8684-AM100

Date Issued: 20 November 2025

Response Due Date: 05 Feb 2026 1400 Eastern

Contracting Office Address:

1865 4th St

Bldg 14, Room 032

WPAFB, OH 45433-7126

Primary Point of Contact:

Name: Randolph Hildebrandt Jr

Title: Program Manager

Email: randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil

DISCLAIMER: This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. See full disclaimer text below.

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The United States Air Force (USAF) is issuing this RFI to gather information from industry regarding optimized machining parameters for AerMet 100, a high-strength alloy used in critical aerospace applications. The purpose of this RFI is to assist the USAF in understanding the current state-of-the-art capability in machining AerMet 100, identifying potential solutions and vendors, and refining requirements. The overall objective is to develop and document optimized machining parameters for AerMet 100 to support more efficient manufacturing, reduce waste and rework, and ensure consistent, high-quality output across production environments, with an initial focus on manufacturing parts for landing gear.

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Air Force currently lacks standardized and validated machining parameters for AerMet 100.

Due to its resistance to machining, AerMet 100 presents challenges including excessive tool wear, extended machining time, and inconsistent surface quality. Without established guidelines for cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cut, and lubrication strategies, machinists are often forced to rely on trial-and-error approaches, leading to inefficiencies, variability, and compromised part quality. The absence of a structured methodology also hinders repeatability and increases production costs. This RFI seeks information to support the development of optimized machining parameters for AerMet 100 through a systematic evaluation of tooling, material response, and process performance. This effort will directly support the manufacturing of parts for various platforms.

SECTION 3: INFORMATION REQUESTED

The USAF is seeking information from qualified vendors with expertise in machining high-strength alloys, particularly AerMet 100. Please provide detailed responses to the following:

1. Company Overview:

• Provide a brief overview of your organization's experience and capabilities in machining high-strength alloys, specifically AerMet 100 if organization has experience with the material. Include examples of past projects and relevant certifications (e.g., AS9100).

• Describe your organization's research and development capabilities related to machining process optimization.

2. Machining Parameters & Strategies:

• Describe your recommended machining parameters for AerMet 100 if you have experience, or expected machining parameters based on prior experience, including:

o Cutting speeds (surface feet per minute/SFM) o Feed rates (inches per minute/IPM) o Depth of cut (axial and radial) o Tooling recommendations (material, geometry, coatings) o Coolant/lubrication strategies (type, application method) o Justify your recommended parameters based on scientific principles, empirical data, or industry best practices. Provide any supporting data or analysis.

o Address the impact of these parameters on tool life, surface finish, and material removal rate.

3. Tooling Solutions:

• Detail your recommended/expected tooling solutions for machining AerMet 100. Include information on tooling material, geometry, coatings, and expected tool life.

• Explain the advantages of your tooling recommendations compared to alternative options.

• Provide information on the availability and cost of the recommended tooling.

4. Material Analysis & Modeling:

• Describe your capabilities for conducting material analysis and modeling of AerMet 100 machining behavior.

• Explain how material analysis and modeling can be used to optimize machining parameters and predict process performance.

5. Testing & Validation:

• Describe your capabilities for testing and validating machining performance, surface finish quality, and tool wear using real-world part geometries.

• Outline your proposed methodology for testing and validating machining parameters for

AerMet 100.

6. Standardization & Documentation:

• Describe your experience in developing and documenting standardized machining practices.

• Outline your approach to creating clear and concise documentation for training, implementation, and continuous improvement.

7. Collaboration & Partnership:

• Describe your experience working in collaborative partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and other industry partners.

• Outline your ability to contribute to a multi-phase effort involving research, development, testing, and documentation, as described in Section 3.

8. Cost and Availability:

• Provide a rough order of magnitude (ROM) for establishing and validating parameters, this should include material analysis, tooling and labor cost as well as any other anticipated cost.

• Outline the timeline to deliver and validate parameters for AerMet 100.

SECTION 4: RESPONSE GUIDELINES/INSTRUCTIONS

Respondents are requested to submit their responses in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Responses should be no more than 10 pages in length, using Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Responses should be submitted via email to randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil and andrew.gross.4@us.af.mil by 05 Feb 2026 1400 Eastern. Please include the RFI number in the subject line of your email. Respondents are encouraged to include a brief capabilities statement

(no more than 3 pages) highlighting their relevant experience and expertise. Capability statement will be included as part of 10 page limit.

1. Administrative Information (minimum required)

• Company name and mailing address

• CAGE code

• Phone number

• Designated point of contact (name and e‑mail)

2. Marking and Proprietary Information

• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) – Apply the appropriate CUI caveats (including any ITAR restrictions) to the entire submission, if applicable.

• Proprietary Data – Clearly label any proprietary material. The Government will treat properly marked proprietary information in accordance with the contract administrative procedures. Unmarked proprietary data will be considered public and may be used without restriction.

mailto:randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil

• Marketing Content – Do not include marketing or promotional material.

• Handling of Submissions o All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The

Government will not be liable for any consequential damages arising from the inclusion of proprietary information that is not correctly identified.

o Contract government employees may be tasked with administrative processing and technical evaluation of all responses. These employees have signed nondisclosure agreements that prohibit the disclosure or misuse of any contractor provided information.

Questions and Industry Discussion

All inquiries concerning this announcement must be submitted in writing by e‑mail to the points of contact listed below. Verbal questions will not be accepted. Only questions received by 26 Jan 2026 will guarantee a response, Questions must not contain proprietary or classified information.

Contact E‑mail

Contracting Officer – Andrew Gross andrew.gross.4@us.af.mil

Administrative POC – RJ Hildebrandt Randolph.hildebrandt.2@us.af.mil

• Deadline for questions: 26 Jan 2026, 1400 Eastern Time. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after this deadline will be answered in time for the submission due date.

• Questions: questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.

If warranted, U.S. Government representatives may consolidate and disseminate general feedback to all respondents after all submissions are received. Follow-on discussions with individual interested parties may be coordinated. The intent of any such discussions would only be to obtain additional clarification of potential capabilities to meet U. S. Government requirements and further expose risks (especially development risks).

SECTION 5: IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS/DISCLAIMERS

This is a RFI only and does not constitute a solicitation or an obligation on the part of the

Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The information provided in response to this RFI will be used for informational purposes only and will assist the USAF in understanding the current state of the market, identifying potential vendors, and refining requirements. The

Government reserves the right to use the information provided in response to this RFI in any manner it deems appropriate. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. The Government reserves the right to contact respondents for mailto:andrew.gross.4@us.af.mil clarification or additional information. Respondents are responsible for ensuring that their responses do not contain any classified information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) unless specifically requested and appropriate security measures are in place to protect such information. Data submitted should comply with all applicable regulations regarding proprietary information.