First Article Testing of Rubber Formulas

Naval Sea Systems Command seeks first article testing of eight rubber formulas in accordance with military performance specifications including MIL-PRF-15624H, MIL-PRF-19769C, MIL-PRF-32287A, and ZZ-R-768C, with quotes due August 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET. This is a full and open competition procurement with no set-aside.

Place of performance is Kittery, Maine. The testing laboratory must hold ISO 17025 accreditation with scope coverage for all required test methods. Work encompasses initial properties testing (tensile strength, ultimate elongation, hardness, specific gravity), properties after oven aging, light aging, low temperature aging, and liquid/oil immersion testing. Formulas 1–4 and 8 are tested per MIL-PRF-15624H or ZZ-R-768 standards using ASTM D412, D2240, D395, D573, D2565, and D471. Formulas 5–6 are tested to MIL-PRF-19769C including oil immersion and compression set testing. Formula 7 is tested to MIL-PRF-32287A for O-rings with oven aging in two different hydraulic fluids, compression set, temperature retraction, corrosion adhesion, and dynamic cycling tests. Formula 8 includes specialized Yerzley oscillograph testing. Each formulation shall be fully tested once, with contract options for two additional complete test cycles per formula if necessary. Period of performance is one year from award. The government will furnish eight rubber sample items for testing and consumption.

All contractors and subcontractors must protect unclassified and classified information, avoid inadvertent disclosure of Critical Information and Indicators and Controlled Unclassified Information, and comply with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard OPSEC requirements including restrictions on portable electronic devices and social media posting of shipyard-related information. OPSEC plan submission is not required for this contract.

The NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services. Evaluation criteria are technical acceptability, schedule adherence and mobilization time, and past performance review through CPARS/FAPPIIS. Quotes must be submitted via email to Sarashea Thibodeau at Sarashea.thibodeau.civ@us.navy.mil. All offerors must be registered in SAM.gov. Award will be made to the vendor offering the lowest price that is technically acceptable.