Burst Diaphragm

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Test Center is seeking to procure specialized burst diaphragms for the Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel No. 9 (Tunnel 9) located in White Oak, Maryland. These critical components are consumable items used in hypersonic ground testing, with two diaphragms required per test run. The diaphragms must be fabricated from specific materials including Stainless Steel Type 304 Annealed Plate/Sheet, Tantalum Alloy (Ta-10W) Annealed Plate/Sheet, and Niobium-Hafnium Alloy (C-103) Annealed Plate/Sheet, adhering to precise engineering drawings (Drawing #77-1088 and 80-1126). Potential vendors must be registered under NAICS code 332999 and demonstrate comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, material procurement processes, and quality assurance methods. The sources sought market research request requires detailed 10-page submissions addressing technical and business aspects, with responses due by May 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST.

The pre-solicitation notice does not indicate a specific set-aside designation for the contract. The procurement will have a five-year performance period, with individual orders to be fulfilled within 90 calendar days of award. While specific award values are not disclosed, the contract will involve ongoing procurement of burst diaphragms to support critical aerodynamic test and evaluation operations at Mach numbers ranging from 7 to 18. Deliverables will be shipped to the AEDC Federal Research Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, with quantities determined on a rolling basis as inventory is consumed during testing operations. The government will require 100% inspection reports, detailed material certifications, and certificates of compliance for each diaphragm produced under this contract.