High Speed Spindle
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 United States Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio, is conducting market research to identify potential sources, including Small Businesses, capable of delivering a High Speed Spindle system for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). This is a Sources Sought notice, not a request for proposals. Responses are due by April 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT.
Purpose
The Government seeks to procure a high-speed spindle system for AFIT to perform engine relevant test conditions for modified turbine components. This system will enable engine matching conditions such as speed, thrust, load, heat flux, lubrication, and air bypass. This market research will inform whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition or as a set-aside for small businesses.
Scope of Work
The required spindle drive system shall include:
- 4 High Speed Spindle motors
- 2 High frequency speed control drives
- 2 Lubrication systems for spindle motors
- 2 Cooling systems (if applicable)
- 2 Full kits of additional cables, hoses, fittings, connectors, tools, etc.
- Assembly/Operation manuals
Key Requirements
- High Speed Spindle Motor: Variable RPM 15,000-90,000, 3.5kW minimum power, HJND-50 or smooth 14mm diameter shaft interface, sensor/encoder feedback, continuous duty, 150mm outside diameter, stand-alone refurbish/replacement cost of $30k or less.
- High Frequency Speed Control Drive: Variable RPM 15,000-90,000, closed loop speed control, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, continuous duty, Discrete Digital/Analog I/O communication.
- Lubrication System: Air/oil mist method, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, 150psi max air supply, included filtration, Discrete I/O for ready/fault signals.
- Cooling System (if applicable): Suitable for continuous spindle operation, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, Discrete I/O for ready/fault signals.
Submission Details
Interested firms must submit a capabilities package (maximum 5 pages) explicitly demonstrating their ability to provide the required product. The package should include:
- Company name, address, point of contact, ownership/control statement, socio-economic status (SB, 8(a), HUBZone, EDWOSB, WOSB, SDVOSB), DUNS/CAGE Code, URL, manufacturer information, warranty, and recent sales history.
- Small businesses should address capability to meet FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) and detail teaming arrangements.
- Submissions must be emailed to dametria.walder@us.af.mil and claire.hess@us.af.mil by April 8, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT.
- The email subject line must be "High Speed Spindle". Only .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xsls, or .xls attachments are allowed.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (1000 employees size standard)
- Response Due: April 8, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT
- Published: April 2, 2026
- Delivery Lead Time: No later than 26 weeks after contract approval.
- Place of Performance/Delivery: Air Force Institute of Technology, WPAFB, OH.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. All prospective contractors must be registered in SAM to be awarded a DoD contract. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses.