Heated Air Supply – Market Intelligence Request
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 the Air Force is conducting a Sources Sought market intelligence request for a Heated Air Supply system to support the SL-3 test facility at Arnold AFB, TN. This initiative aims to identify qualified vendors capable of meeting technical and regulatory requirements for providing temperature-controlled, high-pressure air. Responses are due March 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The government is seeking information from industry to shape the acquisition strategy for a system that will extend the existing ambient high-pressure air distribution system and install a new heater and temperature control system, including all necessary utilities, equipment, and controls. The contractor will be responsible for providing a performance-based Statement of Work (SOW) covering design, procurement, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, and checkout. Key deliverables include a SOW, Site Plan, Operational Drawings, Analysis Reports, Equipment Specifications, and various project management and testing plans. The government will receive Unlimited Data Rights to all contractor-provided technical data.
Key Information Requested from Vendors
Respondents are asked to provide input on:
- Technical Capabilities: Experience with high-pressure heated air systems, system design and integration approaches (including milestone management like PDR, CDR, SRR), and typical data deliverables for similar projects.
- Budgetary & Timeline: Budgetary pricing for a business process prototype and for the full project execution, with a system delivery need date of Q4FY28.
- Regulatory Compliance: Anticipated approach to satisfying 10 U.S.C. 4022 requirements, including a rationale for selecting criteria A, B, or C.
- NIST SP 800-171 Compliance: Vendors must undergo a vetting process to access Distribution D documents, which contain critical technical performance parameters. Access to these documents is essential for understanding full technical requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Market Intelligence Request
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 6, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published Date: February 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: SL-3 test facility at Arnold AFB, COOPERTOWN, TN.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Greggory Jones at greggory.jones.4@us.af.mil.