Automated Investment Casting Cell

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Sustainment Center is soliciting proposals for an Automated Investment Casting Cell to be installed at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. The procurement involves a complete turn-key robotic system for coating wax pattern trees in ceramic slurry and preparing them for casting operations across Air Force Weapon Systems. Technical evaluation criteria will focus on the automated shelling station specifications, including a robotic arm with 0.1mm positional repeatability, Windows 10-based controller, and specific manufacturing cell dimensions not exceeding 240" x 344". Potential vendors must submit written statements explaining how they will meet technical requirements outlined in FAR Clause 52.212-2, with all questions required to be submitted in writing two days prior to the closing date of March 14, 2025. The solicitation requires comprehensive documentation, including preliminary installation drawings within 30 days and final PE-stamped drawings within 60 days of contract award.

The solicitation is an unrestricted acquisition under NAICS code 331524 for Aluminum Foundries, with no specific set-aside designations. The contract will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price to a single vendor based on technical acceptability and pricing. Delivery is mandated by June 2, 2025, with the system requiring capability to handle 200-pound wax patterns and process 48 parts simultaneously in a drying chamber maintaining precise temperature and humidity conditions. The contractor must provide comprehensive installation services, including training for 4 operators over 5 days, a 365-day warranty, and complete technical documentation. The system's extensive requirements include two motorized slurry tanks, wash tank, pre-wet tank, rinse tank, rainfall and fluidized bed sanding units, cell enclosure, loading station, and drying chamber, all of which must meet stringent technical specifications and MIL-STD 31000A Level 3 drawing requirements.