Tunnel Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube Nozzle designed for USAFA

SOURCES SOUGHT

**Update 20 May 2020 - added attachment 2 specifications**

FROM:  10th Contracting Squadron, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), CO

SUBJECT:  Sources Sought

1.  The USAF Academy 10th Contracting Squadron is requesting information from potential providers of a Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube Nozzle that was designed for USAFA. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 333999 and the small business size standard in number of employees is 500.

2.  Interested contractors whether potential prime contractors or interested potential subcontractors are encouraged to review the salient characteristics in paragraph 4 to gain an understanding of the requirement and provide feedback and questions to the contracting specialist.

3.  This notice is issued for the purpose of market research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. All responsible contractors interested in providing this product and who have the potential to provide this product are invited to respond. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this notice is voluntary. This notice is for planning purposes only and the Government will not pay for any information provided. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement. This sources sought announcement is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or to award a contract.

4.  All interested and qualified sources should submit the following documentation to this office by e-mail to kristin.rothe@us.af.mil no later than 2:00 PM MST, 27 May 2020:

1. Name of Company and Address, Point of Contact, Phone Number, E-mail Address, Website (if applicable)
2. Socioeconomic status
3. CAGE code
4. Laser System meeting the following salient characteristics:

5. At a minimum, the Mach 6 wind tunnel nozzle must include or be capable of the following:

• If needed, please explain if certain characteristics are too restrictive and/or too ambiguous and provide a restructured characteristic that would better meet the Government’s needs.
• The product must meet the requirements of the designs in attachment 1.
• **Update** The product must also meet the requirements of the designs in attachment 2.
• Further requirements include:
• Part one must be fabricated from 316L or 316 Ti stainless steel. Parts 2, 3 and 4 must be fabricated from 6082 or 6061 aluminum forgings.
• 6061 is a suitable substitute for the 6082 aluminum
• 316L is a suitable substitute for the 316 Ti stainless steel

• Surface finish as listed on all parts is 16 microinches on the inner surface. No tool marks, scratches, scuffs, abrasions, etc are allowed on the inner surfac

•  Carbon steel of comparable grade may be substituted for stainless steel fastening hardware

• Parts must be test fit before delivery to ensure:

                 a) No forward facing steps in the downstream direction, i.e. piece 2 can have a larger inner diameter than piece 1, but NOT a smaller inner diameter, etc.

                 b) Pieces must have a 0.002" diameter tolerance to drawings while still adhering to above requirement

                 c) No gaps between sections

6.  All interested and qualified sources should also submit the answers to the following questions to this office by e-mail to kristin.rothe@us.af.mil no later than 2:00 PM MST, 27 May 2020:

1. Have you provided this item in the past?
2. Are you the manufacturer or distributor of the item? / Where is product manufactured?
3. What is your lead-time for delivery?
4. Have you ever performed Government contracts?
5. What are your payment/discount terms? Do you offer an educational and/or military discount to universities?
6. If you require different terms and conditions than those normally used by the Government, what are your commercial terms and conditions? Please feel free to provide a copy of your terms and conditions for this type of work.
7. What is your estimated cost for this requirement? You will not be held to this price, it is only for market research purposes.
8. Is the product Buy American compliant IAW DFARS 252.225-7001?
9. Is the product considered comme­rcial IAW FAR 12.103?
10. Provide any additional feedback that would help us provide more clarity within the requirement/promote further competition.

7.  THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR OFFERS OR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS AT THIS TIME.

8.  Any questions regarding this notice can be directed in writing via email to the following points of contact.

Contracting Officer, Malissa Crofoot                

Email: malissa.crofoot.2@us.af.mil                              

Contract Specialist, Kristin Rothe

Email: kristin.rothe@us.af.mil