Piga float assembly repair

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

Minuteman III Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer (PIGA) Float NSN:  1420-01-386-7795 AH (9043520-010) Float Assembly

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

1.  SUBJECT:  Sources sought for the repair of the float assembly used in the Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer (PIGA) instrument for the Minuteman III guidance system.  This repair supports the AFNWC/NM, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which is responsible for the ICBM missile guidance set.
2. DESCRIPTION: Honeywell DSES-Space, Clearwater, Florida (CAGE Code 09128) is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the only qualified source of repair for the PIGA Float since 1975.  Honeywell is the only known source that currently has the capital-owned support equipment, high tech facilities and proprietary data necessary to manufacture and repair the PIGA Float. The PIGA Float consists of parts made of I400 Beryllium which is hazardous and requires specialized equipment, handling procedures and stringent safety requirements. Some of the Beryllium components are coated with aluminum oxide using a plasma powder spray and finished tolerances within millionths of an inch.  Every part of the float requires precision machining, a tremendous amount of attention to detail and specialized skills to be successfully produced. Within the PIGA Float Assembly is the Gas Bearing Wheel, the critical component of the float assembly and the heart of the PIGA. The Gas Bearing Wheel assembly is the size of a thimble yet its manufacturer requires more than 200 critical machining operations and ultra-precise mechanical measurements. Pyroceram glass and ferrite ceramic material are also used in the PIGA float. These materials are very fragile and also require unique manufacturing and finishing processes.  In addition to the repair of the PIGA floats, this effort includes maintaining peculiar support equipment which is Government Furnished Property (GFP) as necessary.

To become a qualified source the entity must have access to I400 Beryllium, pyroceram, Astro lube and MN60L ferrite material to demonstrate capabilities to produce the PIGA Floats.  The Air Force has a limited amount of I400 Beryllium and cannot provide this material to vendors for testing and qualifications purposes.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP).  Firms responding to this announcement should include company name, cage code, point of contact, address and indicate if they are a small business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUB Zone small business, small disadvantaged business or women-owned small business. Potential offerors should submit a Statement of Capacity (SOC) that addresses the offerors ability to provide the above requested unit.  The government reserves the right to set aside any subsequent acquisition based upon known sources and/or responses to this synopsis.

SOCs may be submitted by facsimile at 801-777-7837; email: Shila.weese@us.af.mil; or mailed to: AFNWC/PZBB Attention: Shila Weese 6008 Wardleigh Rd Bldg. 1580 Hill AFB, UT  84056. Responses must be received not later than 20 November 2020 at the close of business (COB) 3:30 pm MST.  Identify your response with the corresponding Program Title: Sources Sought:  PIGA Float