Domestically Sourced RARE EARTH MAGNETS FOR sUAS

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Domestically Sourced RARE EARTH MAGNETS FOR sUAS" opportunity (Notice ID: W51AA102042026). The RFI Closing Date was February 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm EST.

• Motor Manufacturer: Tobyhanna Army Depot.
• Total Motors to be Purchased: Manufacturing 480,000 motors.
• Demand Forecast (for planning purposes only): Projected 320,000 of the 2807’s, 80,000 of the 3115’s, and 80,000 of the 2407’s.
• Plating Requirement Purpose: The coating is required for corrosion resistance. Alternative coatings are acceptable if compatible with mounting adhesives like epoxy.
• Magnetization Orientation: Pole orientation must be centered in the arc segment in the radial direction. Continuous radial orientation is not required. Sets of 14 magnets are required (7ea North on OD, 7ea North on ID).
• N52SH Requirements (Room Temperature):
  • Maximum Energy Product (BH)max: 49-53 MGOe
  • Remanence (Br): 1.42 - 1.48 Tesla
  • Intrinsic Coercivity (Hcj): >19 kOe
  • Coercivity (Hcb): 10.5kOe
• N52SH Requirements (Operating Temperature): Nominal operating temperature should not exceed 90°C (with an upper ambient temperature extreme of 50°C). Reversible loss of magnetic field strength (Br) should not exceed -0.14% / °C.

These clarifications provide specific details on manufacturing quantities, demand forecasts, material properties, and technical requirements that bidders should consider when preparing their responses.

Request for Information (RFI)

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes. The goal is to identify American companies capable of manufacturing and supplying commercial-grade rare earth magnets, which are critical components for Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors used in small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS). This RFI is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or a commitment to award a contract. The information gathered will inform the final procurement strategy, which may include small business set-asides and potentially multiple awards.

TYAD is seeking information on capabilities to provide specific rare earth magnets for BLDC motor manufacturing. The initial request covers three different BLDC motor sizes, with options for additional magnet variations.

• General Material Specifications:

  • Material Type: Neodymium Magnet Grade N52SH
  • Coating: Triple-layer Nickel-Copper-Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni) plating for corrosion resistance.
  • Magnetization: Radially magnetized arc segments for N-S-N-S assembly.

• Specific Magnet Dimensions: Information is requested for magnets for 3115, 2807, and 2407 BLDC motors, with detailed Outer Diameter, Inner Diameter, Arc Segment Angle, Height, and Thickness specifications provided (14 pieces per motor).

• Sourcing: All materials, including raw rare earth materials, must not be sourced from prohibited foreign countries (e.g., China, Russia, Iran, North Korea).

• Compliance: Any potential contract will be Unclassified. All products must comply with the Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a) as implemented by DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009 regarding specialty metals. Respondents should demonstrate their capability to meet these domestic sourcing requirements.

• Content: Interested businesses should submit a brief capabilities statement package (maximum ten 8.5 x 11-inch pages, 10-point font minimum) demonstrating their ability to provide the specified products/systems. Documentation should be in bullet format.

  • Required information includes: Organization name, address, POCs, email, FAX, website, phone, type of ownership.
  • Tailored capability statements with supporting documentation.
  • If subcontracting/teaming, address administrative and management structure.

• Format: Electronic submission in Microsoft Word or PDF.

• Deadline: 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 11 February 2026.

• Submission Address: Email to nicholas.m.paras.civ@army.mil and christopher.k.volch.civ@army.mil.

• Important: Reference the synopsis number in the email subject line. Do not submit classified material. Responses are strictly voluntary, and no funds are available for preparation.

The information gathered may lead to a procurement strategy that includes small business set-asides (in full or in part) or full and open competition. The Government anticipates the possibility of making multiple awards.

This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government to award a contract. Responses are not offers.