Development and Evaluation of Low Hydrogen Embrittlement Zinc Nickel Passivations for DOD Electrical Connectors

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to award a sole source Cost contract to the University of Missouri for a follow-on contract W912HQ-15-C-0065.
The original objectives of this project was to (1) identify potential passivation coatings for ZnNi which would allow for these coatings to function effectively in DoD electrical connectors; (2) develop methodologies for testing coupon samples in terms of the contact resistance; (3) measure contact resistance of passivated samples before and after aggressive corrosive aging; and (4) select promising coatings that could potentially meet the DoD requirement per MIL-DTL-81706B. This follow-on work will support efforts to identify passivation technologies as well as to measure their contact resistance in relevant environments and with sample connectors of relevant geometry. The original goal of the project was to identify passivation technologies and ascertain how they imparted and maintained effective contact resistance, thus protecting the base metals and alloys used in military electrical connectors. The current methodologies employ cadmium plated electrical connectors passivated with hexavalent chromium. The use of these materials in a depot environment requires use of hazardous and regulated chemicals. The addition of this follow-on work is in the best interest of the government as it will allow for a more sustainable means to meet the project objectives. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to award a 3 year contract.

This is a special notice prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.2 Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. A solicitation will not be posted. However, any firm that believes it can meet this requirement may give written notification to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this announcement. Supporting evidence must be in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirement. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government to compete the proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intends on proceeding with awarding a fixed price purchase order to NatureServe.

Point of contact for this requirement is Ms. Jessie Hartel at 703-428-7081 Jessie.L.Hartel@usace.army.mil.

Address: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, HECSA, 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315.