Heat Exchanger Inspection Tool
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy's FLUOR MARINE PROPULSION - DOE CONTRACTOR has issued a Sources Sought for a Heat Exchanger Inspection Tool. This initiative seeks information on inspection capabilities for small, compact heat exchangers (HX) fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) using Alloy 625 Inconel, specifically for smaller tube diameters. Responses are due June 23, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The Buyer is investigating inspection solutions (probes or other methods) for AM-fabricated Alloy 625 Inconel heat exchangers. The primary objective is to obtain information on inspection capabilities for tube diameters smaller than those typically used in traditional manufacturing. The inspection method must be capable of detecting specific flaws both post-manufacture and in-service, including:
- Circumferential and axial volumetric flaws
- Circumferential and axial cracks
- Voids (printing errors)
- Delamination
- Degradation (pitting, wear, surface cracks)
- Wall-thickness measurement
The HX geometry involves circular tubes interconnected by ligaments, creating non-circular flow paths. The inspection method should be insertable into circular tube-like paths, which may be straight or have gentle curvature.
Technical Requirements
Key specifications for the heat exchangers include:
- Tube Inner Diameter (ID): 0.100 to 0.400 inch
- Wall Thickness: 0.010 to 0.050 inch (approx. 10-15% of tube ID)
- Surface Roughness: 10 to 200 min Ra
- Material: Alloy 625 Inconel
Vendors should provide details on the minimum resolvable defect size for each technique, accuracy of wall-thickness measurements, and the impact of surface roughness on signal-to-noise ratio and defect resolution.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties are requested to submit a completed form and any additional information. Vendors should provide technical questions regarding capabilities, limitations, and potential development. A response table is required to detail capabilities for each flaw type, including minimum/maximum tube ID, minimum wall thickness, and surface roughness range.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 05:00 PM ET
- Published: May 19, 2026, 08:25 AM ET
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: John Heckert (John.Heckert1@unnpp.gov)