E-Stop Integration for Cold Spray

The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Sustainment Center, operating through Tinker Air Force Base, is soliciting offers to integrate and modify existing VRC cold spray equipment by converting its single chain stop safety e-stop system to a dual chain safety system. The contractor will perform Test, Teardown and Evaluation (TT&E) on the E-Stop Integration system, establish communication interfaces between the VRC system and the master robot controller, execute initial power-up sequences and comprehensive system checks, and demonstrate correct functionality of all emergency stop and control circuits in accordance with the incorporated Performance Work Statement. The solicitation is classified as a firm fixed-price contract for commercial products and services under NAICS code 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance). While the government document indicates this is a 100% small business set-aside, the accompanying Decision to Restrict Competition identifies Arzell Inc. as the sole qualified source based on its specialized expertise in integrating multi-manufacturer systems and prior experience installing the existing e-stop system. Proposals are due April 16, 2026, at 12:00 AM, with contract performance scheduled from April 20, 2026, through May 20, 2026.

The contract has been designated for sole-source award to Arzell Inc., eliminating competitive bidding despite the stated small business set-aside designation. The contracting officer determined that Arzell Inc. is the only available source capable of safely integrating VRC cold spray, Metco, and FANUC equipment while developing proper safety interlock logic and minimizing implementation delays and risks. Performance will take place at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with delivery required by April 15, 2026, to the F3YCEB (OC ALC OBC) office. The contract incorporates prevailing wage requirements under the Service Contract Act as specified in Wage Determination No. 2015-5315, with wage rates ranging from $10.09 to $49.27 per hour depending on occupational classification, plus fringe benefits of $5.55 per hour or $222.00 per week. The accelerated timeline—with less than two days between solicitation posting and proposal due date—reflects the urgent operational need for this critical safety system modification.