High Temperature Controlled Atmosphere Furnace Suite

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake intends to solicit sources for a High Temperature Controlled Atmosphere Furnace Suite in support of metal and ceramic composite materials research and production, with sources sought responses due by June 15, 2026. This is a market research and sources sought notice, not a formal request for proposal; however, responses will be considered in agency procurement planning. No set-aside is anticipated.

Performance location is China Lake, California. The requirement calls for a complete suite consisting of two furnace chambers with integrated vacuum and chiller systems, shared electrical cabinets, and control interfaces. The first chamber must operate at a maximum 1300 degrees Celsius with interior dimensions of 14.8" × 11.8" × 11.8"; the second at 2200 degrees Celsius with 12" × 12" × 12" chamber. Both require stainless steel, double-walled, water-cooled, electropolished construction with top-loading and integrated lift platforms. Vacuum systems must achieve pressures of at least 10^-5 torr and pump down within 45 minutes. Gas systems must support argon and nitrogen backfill to 2 PSIG with solenoid-controlled inlet valves and flow meters. The suite requires a shared water chiller maintaining exterior surfaces below 60 degrees Celsius, NEMA-1 electrical cabinets with dual programmable logic controllers, 480V three-phase 60 Hz power (not exceeding 60 kVA), and touchscreen interfaces capable of storing eight programmed recipes. Safety features include interlocks, emergency stops, and one-year uninterruptible power supply backup. The complete footprint must not exceed 5' × 10' with height under 7'. Delivery is required within one year of order, including factory acceptance testing, two days of off-site training, three days of on-site training at China Lake, on-site installation and setup, and one-year warranty. A Cyber Maturity Model Certification Level 1 (FCI Self) is anticipated; respondents may challenge this assessment with rationale and recommendations. A draft Performance Work Statement is available for comment with responses.