Slurry Kettle

The Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, located in China Lake, California, intends to procure a Hemispherical Bottom Dished Top Kettle through a sole source procurement. This requirement is being pursued on an other than full and open competitive basis, with Lee Industries identified as the sole vendor able to manufacture a certified explosion-proof kettle meeting the government's specifications. Interested firms may submit written responses demonstrating their capability to fulfill this requirement, which must be received by the Contracting Office no later than five days from the publication date of October 28, 2025, or by November 3, 2025. Capability statements should clearly articulate the firm's experience, assets, background, and ability to perform the work while maintaining quality, accuracy, reliability, and schedule requirements. Responses must reference solicitation number N6893626Q5022 and be submitted via email to Beth Exzabe at Beth.a.exzabe.civ@us.navy.mil. All responsible sources must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database, and entities should be aware that new registrations now require submission of an original, signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity Administrator before activation.

No set-aside designation has been applied to this procurement. Lee Industries of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, is identified as the incumbent and the sole source vendor for this specialized equipment. The pre-solicitation notice does not disclose an award value or budget range for this procurement. The requirement falls under NAICS Code 332420 (Metal Tank Heavy Gauge Manufacturing) and PSC Code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies), indicating the specialized nature of the certified explosion-proof kettle being procured. While specific quantities and service timelines are not detailed in the notice, the explosion-proof certification requirement underscores the technical sophistication and safety-critical nature of this procurement for Naval Air Warfare operations.