Notice of Intent to Sole Source Heat Flux Sensor Calibration

The Air Force Test Center issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source heat flux sensor calibration services to Vatell Corporation, with a capability statement deadline of June 4, 2026, and anticipated award date of June 10, 2026. The procurement is restricted to sole-source justification under FAR 6.103-1 and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), though the Government retains discretion to compete if responsive offers are received.

The 846th Test Squadron requires NIST-traceable calibration of seventeen Vatell Thermage Circular-Foil Heat Flux Transducers (Model TG-2000-42C) to 3% accuracy or better using the OEM's proprietary MAP002 procedure. This calibration supports aircraft qualification testing at the Holloman High Speed Test Track and ensures one-to-one data comparability with previous qualification tests. The contractor must complete all calibrations and ship sensors within seven calendar days of receipt at its facility. Deliverables include calibration certificates documenting scale factor, sensitivity, range, coating, emissivity, resistance, ambient conditions, and reference standards, plus digital PDF copies sent to contracting staff at Holloman.

Market research and capability inquiries to nine potential vendors yielded no competitors capable of providing OEM calibration without unacceptable delay and financial harm to the program. Vatell is designated a small business under NAICS 334419 (Other Electronic Component Manufacturing). Offerors must submit responses electronically to Contracting Officer Charles W. King at charles.king.42@us.af.mil by June 4, 2026 at 1200 MDT. The acquisition uses Simplified Acquisition Procedures with firm fixed-price pricing and incorporates FAR and DFARS clauses including SAM registration, cybersecurity, and telecommunications equipment restrictions.