Low Earth Orbit Plasma Source System

This request is an announcement for information/market research for planning purposes. This synopsis does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, invitation for bid, nor does its issuance, in any way, restrict the U.S. Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center PKOA, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico is seeking potential sources to provide a plasma source capable of simulating the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) plasma environment to meet the following specifications: 

       - Generating a plasma at high vacuum (10-5 to 10-6 torr)
       - Emitted electron temperatures below 1eV
       - Streaming ion temperatures below 5 eV
       - Capable of running on Argon (Ar) or Xenon (Xe) gas as a minimum      
          requirement, other noble gases, nitrogen, hydrogen a plus.
       - Emitted electron current of at least 2A
       - Emitted plasma density in a 10m3 vacuum chamber selectable to as     
          much of the range of 1010 to 1014 per cubic meter possible, depending 
          on operational parameters (couples to current parameter as noted above)

It is expected that a complete source bid will include the following:

       - Vacuum feed throughs for all required connections
       - High voltage power supplies required for operation
       - Vacuum cables and gas feed lines
       - Air-side cables to power supplies
       - On-site training with the unit for six employees to cover operation of the
         plasma source and any specialty diagnostics required for analyzing the 
         plasma produced. The training may include setup assistance and last up to
         three days, not necessarily immediately upon receipt of source. The
         training is considered a best-effort basis.

As noted above, a simple hollow cathode, ion source, hall thruster, or helicon plasma source will not be acceptable as a LEO plasma source due to the high-energy of the emitted plasma.

Firms responding to this announcement shall include company name, DUNS number, Cage Code, point of contact, address and business size using NAICS Code 336415, 1,000 Size Standard employees. Statement of Capabilities (SOCs), limited to 2 pages and shall demonstrate experience in providing or manufacturing of product or capability to provide products meeting the specifications listed.
Statement of Capabilities may be submitted by E-mail (preferably) to: nicholas.vincent@kirtland.af.mil or via facsimile by (505) 846-8925, labeled Attn: Nicholas Vincent. Responses must be received no later than 29 July 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Identify your response with the corresponding program title:
Sources Sought: Low Earth Orbit Plasma Source System