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 to develop a validated, high-speed wear prediction model for metal "slippers" used in sled testing at the Holloman High Speed Test Track. The primary objective is to address ongoing challenges in predicting and mitigating slipper wear during high-speed and long-distance sled tests, with a focus on understanding the physical interactions between slippers and rails that lead to excessive wear. This procurement targets vendors registered under NAICS Code 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools), with a specific requirement to create a physics-based model and associated software that can accurately predict slipper wear during advanced sled testing. Potential vendors must submit responses by May 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with submissions limited to 10 pages and sent to greggory.jones.4@us.af.mil. The government will review vendors' NIST SP 800-171 Assessment and Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scores as part of the evaluation process.

The pre-solicitation notice indicates no specific set-aside designations for this opportunity, and the procurement will be pursued under 10 U.S.C. 4022 authority for prototype projects. Vendors are required to request Attachment 1 (Performance Parameters) and provide supporting documentation on experience, business information, potential contract vehicles, estimated costs, and prototype development approach. The business size standard for this NAICS category is $34.5M, suggesting potential for both small and large businesses to compete. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the complexity of developing a validated wear prediction model implies a potentially significant investment in research and development. The project timeline appears to be focused on the near term, with initial response deadlines set in May 2025 and an emphasis on developing a comprehensive understanding of slipper wear tribology for future high-speed and long-distance sled testing.