Eaton_Sole_Source_Final.docx

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

Fuel valve and Cap Rotary Seal Procurement

PR 1300654356

Background:

The Rotary Seal (NAVSEA Drawing 6105333) is a critical component within the fuel delivery system for the Torpedo, MK 48. This component has been problematic for years from a reliability standpoint and a logistics standpoint. Several Defense Logistics Agency contracts have been unsuccessful in procuring this item over the years. The fleet has only been able to sustain the operational tempo through repairing used seals, as often as they can. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCNPT) engineers contacted various companies that did not deliver satisfactory hardware to the Government, with the permission of Defense Logistics Agency. The NUWCNPT engineers found that many companies did not understand the requirements of the drawing, and those that did found it very difficult to successfully produce the rotary seal. The Rotary Seal (NAVSEA Drawing 6105333) is manufactured from Molybdenum in accordance with ASTM B 387 Type 361 Standard Specification, but with special grain structure requirements added, which exceed the normal specification. This makes the material very difficult and expensive to obtain. The items are very difficult to machine, especially within the special seal requirements. The dynamic sealing surface of the rotary seal must be flat to within three (3) helium light bands (0.0000345”) and have an average surface roughness of 4 micro-inches, per NAVSEA Drawing 6105333. Furthermore, the item requires special machining and stress-relief using a hydrogen environment heat treatment.

The long-term attrition of rotary seals in the fleet cannot be permanently sustained through repair, as material is lost. With the diminishing inventory of seals in the fleet, and the failures of the supply system to procure more seals, the fleet cannot provide the reliability investigation team with rotary seals. This procurement is needed to immediately support the coordinated testing effort on this issue between the Naval Undersea Warfare Centers.

Requirement:

The manufacturer must supply 100 each of the Rotary Seals, per the requirements of the drawing, with the exceptions noted in the solicitation. These include omitting the addition of the grease, which engineers have determined may be detrimental to the part in the long-term. Additionally, the vendor shall meet the special packaging requirements of this solicitation, in order to protect the parts for inspection by engineers at Division Keyport. In addition, the manufacturer shall supply data and testing not required to be provided with the normal data package. The vendor shall supply material certification, penetrant inspection certification, and dimensional inspection.

Sole Source Justification:

Eaton Corporation, Fluids & Electronics Division is the only company that possesses the equipment necessary to manufacture precise dimensions, surface finishes, and stress relief techniques. In the past, vendors have been awarded contracts for the production of these parts, which were never completed satisfactorily. No other vendor can meet all of the requirements of the drawing, including the specialty machining with special hydrogen environment heat treatment and extreme dimensioning and tolerancing requirements. Eaton Corporation, Fluids & Electronics Division has proven its ability to meet these requirements under older solicitations.

RESELLERS:

There are no authorized resellers available.