Automated Fiber Placement Thermoplastic Processing Head

Project ID: N6893626Q5144 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	Naval Air Warfare Centers
Deadline	06/22/26
Posted	06/04/26
Estimated Value	$750,000 - $1,800,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	326130 - Laminated Plastics Plate, Sheet (except Packaging), and Shape Manufacturing
PSC	3695 - Miscellaneous Special Industry Machinery
Location	China Lake, CA USA

Description

Primary Latest Change

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A FORMAL REQUEST FOR QUOTE/PROPOSAL. The Weapons and Energetics Department of Naval Air Weapons Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake intends to procure a Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head on a sole source basis in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.103-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The intended source is Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Albany, Inc. This effort will provide a TPFP Head fully compatible with a currently installed Trelleborg XTS-400 AFP system and interchangeable with the currently configured thermoset processing head. The TPFP head will enable the fabrication of composite parts having TP resins, adding to current capability to process thermoset resins. More details can be found in the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any firm believing it can fulfill the requirement identified above is encouraged to submit a written response to be received at the Contracting Office no later than the due date contained in this notice, which shall be considered by the agency. Interested parties are also encouraged to review and provide comments or recommendations regarding the draft PWS as part of their response. The written response shall reference solicitation number contained in this notice and provide a capability statement that clearly indicates the firm's experience, assets, background, and ability to perform the required work without compromising the quality, accuracy, reliability, and schedule. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to identify if any other companies can meet the agency's requirements. In your response, please include Company Size (Small or Large business according to the NAICS and size standard listed). If your company is a Small Business, specify if your company is or is not each of the following: (a) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); (b) HUBZone Small Business; (c) 8(a) Concern; (d) Woman-Owned Small Business; (e) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business. A Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 (FCI Self) is anticipated for this requirement. If you disagree with the anticipated CMMC Level, please provide a rationale, and the recommended CMMC Level.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Weapons and Energetics Department of Naval Air Weapons Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake intends to procure a Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head on a sole source basis from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Albany, Inc. This procurement aims to enhance the capabilities of the existing Trelleborg XTS-400 Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) system, which is currently limited to processing thermoset resins. The TPFP Head will enable the fabrication of composite parts using thermoplastic resins, thereby improving performance for high-speed, long-range mission profiles while reducing environmental and energy costs. Work Details The contractor shall provide an XTS-400 compatible TPFP Head that meets the following specifications: - TP processing head components and assembly, feed motor and cable set, umbilical assembly, necessary electrical and software updates, and manuals. - Compatibility with the Trelleborg XTS-400 AFP system covering all hardware, software, electrical and mechanical connections. - Interchangeability with the currently installed thermoset processing head. - Capability to process a single tow of ¼” slit tape thermoset material. - Hot gas torch as heat source with temperature range from 250 to 975 degrees Celsius. - Ability to apply up to 150 lbs. compaction force using an unheated stainless steel compaction roller. - Tape splice sensor for detecting overlaps, gaps, and joints in incoming tow. - Arm mounted material creel with backing tape removal system. - Closed loop control for monitoring functions including material feed, cut, clamp, compaction load, and hot gas torch temperature. - Attitude degrees of freedom system for improved conformance to complex surfaces. - Compliance with facilities electrical requirements: 480VAC, estimated 60A, 3 phase, 60 Hz. - Operation with clean dry compressed air at specified pressures and flow rates. Deliverables include: equipment ready for shipment within 1 year from receipt of order; internal bench testing results; equipment manuals; maintenance manual; wiring diagram. Period of Performance Equipment shall be completed and ready to ship from contractor’s facility within 1 year from receipt of order. Place of Performance NAWCWD in China Lake, CA 93555. Bidder Requirements A Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 (FCI Self) is anticipated for this requirement. The contractor must provide on-site installation and training for lab personnel at NAWCWD for between 1 to 3 days after installation.

Contacts

Contact name	Kyle Hedman
Contact email	kyle.d.hedman.civ@us.navy.mil
Contact phone	(760) 793-3166
Secondary contact name	Luke Kelley
Secondary contact email	luke.s.kelley.civ@us.navy.mil
Secondary contact phone	(760) 793-3745