Arc Heater Specialized Parts- Mission Critical

Project ID: FA910126R0001 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	Arnold Engineering Development Complex
Deadline	02/13/26
Posted	02/04/26
Estimated Value	$12,000,000 - $22,000,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	332710 - Machine Shops
PSC	5340 - Hardware, Commercial
Location	Arnold AFB, TN 37389 United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) at Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB), TN. In accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) 206.302-1(d), this notice is posted to identify responsible sources capable of manufacturing and delivering arc heater components to support a potential sole-source, follow-on Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract. The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) requires a continuous supply of specialized arc heater components to support mission-essential hypersonic testing and reentry programs in its High-Temperature Lab (HTL) facilities. These operations are vital to national defense and support a wide range of stakeholders including U.S. Air Force and commercial space industry partners. Demand for these components is significantly increasing due to a high operational tempo and the stand-up of new test facilities, which will increase the number of active segmented arc heaters. The predecessor ID/IQ contract, FA910121D0001, has reached the end of its ordering period with its ceiling nearly exhausted due to this increased demand. The arc heater components must be manufactured to exacting specifications to survive the extreme operational environment. Key technical characteristics include: Material: Oxygen-Free High Conductivity (OFHC) copper Performance: Must withstand temperatures up to 13,000 R (6,649 C), gas pressures of 170 atmospheres (atms), and internal water-cooling pressures of 1,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) without deformation Manufacturing: Components must be accurately machined and brazed, free from any microscopic obstructions or defects The Government's need is for an estimated 3,727 H1' type arc heater components and 14,623 H2' and H3' type arc heater components over a five-year ordering period.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) at Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB), TN, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify responsible sources capable of manufacturing and delivering specialized arc heater components. The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) requires these components to support mission-essential hypersonic testing and reentry programs in its High-Temperature Lab (HTL) facilities. These operations are critical to national defense and serve a variety of stakeholders, including the U.S. Air Force and commercial space industry partners. The demand for these components has significantly increased due to a high operational tempo and the establishment of new test facilities, which will lead to more active segmented arc heaters. The previous ID/IQ contract, FA910121D0001, has reached the end of its ordering period with its ceiling nearly exhausted due to this heightened demand. Work Details The contract requires the manufacture of specialized arc heater components with the following specifications: - Material: Oxygen-Free High Conductivity (OFHC) copper - Performance: Must withstand temperatures up to 13,000°R (6,649°C), gas pressures of 170 atmospheres (atms), and internal water-cooling pressures of 1,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) without deformation. - Manufacturing: Components must be accurately machined and brazed, free from any microscopic obstructions or defects. The estimated quantities needed over a five-year ordering period include approximately 3,727 ‘H1’ type arc heater components and 14,623 ‘H2’ and ‘H3’ type arc heater components. Period of Performance Five (5) year ordering period Place of Performance Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB), TN

Contacts

Contact name	Brogan Fullmer
Contact email	brogan.fullmer@us.af.mil
Contact phone	(801) 499-7586
Secondary contact name	ROBERT GREENE
Secondary contact email	robert.greene.17@us.af.mil
Secondary contact phone	3406295