Boron Carbide Blocks

The DOD Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for boron carbide blocks, seeking potential vendors for a future firm fixed price contract. The procurement involves two specific block sizes: 30 units of 4"x8"x1" blocks and 30 units of 8"x8"x1" blocks, with stringent technical specifications including dimensional accuracy to 1/32" minimum, minimum density of 2.4 g/cc (95% density), and 99% boron purity using non-enriched material conforming to ASTM C750 standards. The agency is requesting detailed feedback from interested companies on the proposed NAICS code 327110 (Pottery, Ceramics, and Plumbing Fixture Manufacturing), draft specifications, corporate experience, and past performance capabilities. Vendors must provide company details, socio-economic status, point of contact information, and two customer references from the past three years demonstrating comparable product experience. The response deadline for this market research effort is July 9, 2025, with the notice emphasizing that this is not a request for quotes but a voluntary information gathering process to inform future procurement strategies.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors or potential award values are mentioned in the documentation. The total quantity requirement consists of 60 boron carbide blocks across the two specified dimensions, with the specialized nature of these materials suggesting applications in scientific research or defense-related projects given the university's military health sciences mission. The precision manufacturing requirements and high purity standards indicate these blocks will likely be used for specialized applications requiring exact dimensional tolerances and material properties. The solicitation is categorized under PSC 9390 for Miscellaneous Fabricated Nonmetallic Materials, reflecting the specialized ceramic manufacturing nature of the requirement. The government's approach of conducting thorough market research before formal solicitation suggests they are seeking to identify qualified suppliers capable of meeting these exacting technical specifications.