JESTR Slipper Wear Tribology – Validated Model for Development of Wear Reduction Techniques and Materials

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Test Center is seeking engineering services to develop a validated, high-speed wear prediction model for slipper wear tribology at the Holloman High Speed Test Track. The primary objective is to create a physics-based model and associated software that can accurately predict slipper wear during sled testing, addressing critical challenges in understanding the physical interactions between slippers and rails during high-speed tests. Vendors must be registered under NAICS Code 541330 (Engineering Services) and submit responses by May 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with a maximum 10-page submission in Word or PowerPoint. Evaluation criteria will include vendor experience, business details, potential contract vehicles, estimated costs, and prototype development approaches. The government may utilize 10 U.S.C. 4022 authority for prototype projects, and vendors' NIST SP 800-171 Assessment and Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scores will be considered during the evaluation process.

The pre-solicitation notice does not indicate any specific set-aside designations, and no incumbent contractors are mentioned. The business size standard for the NAICS category is $25 million, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The project aims to develop a comprehensive wear prediction model that can address challenges with slipper wear during sled testing, particularly for high-speed and long-distance tests. While a precise award value is not specified, the complexity of the project and the technical requirements suggest a substantial investment in engineering services. The timeline appears to be focused on market research and initial vendor responses, with the ultimate goal of developing a prototype and predictive model for slipper wear tribology that can improve safety and performance in high-speed test track environments.