Human Systems Directorate Materials and Textiles Lab Tensile Tester Support
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 Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify potential sources for a new 300 kN universal testing machine (tensile tester) for the Materials and Textiles Lab (MTL) at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. This effort aims to gather industry feedback on technical requirements and explore cost-effective options for providing this critical test and evaluation capability. Responses are due by April 1, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST.
Purpose & Scope
This SSN is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal or quote. The AFLCMC/ROU seeks to assess the current state and availability of vendors capable of providing, delivering, and installing a new 300 kN universal testing machine, including the removal and disposal of the existing government-owned tester. The system will be used for critical test and evaluation of advanced materials to determine their mechanical properties.
Key Requirements
The contractor shall provide:
- One new universal testing machine (tensile tester) with a minimum static force capacity of 300kN.
- Removal of the existing Instron 5584 tester.
- An extra-height load frame with tall support base and stabilizers.
- Static load cells with capacities of 150 kN and 50 kN.
- A comprehensive software suite for machine control, test method development, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting, featuring an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
- Installation by a factory-trained and certified Service Engineer, including system introduction and safety overview for up to four operators.
- Onsite software instruction for up to four operators, including development of up to five new test methods.
- Onsite integration with a customer-supplied computer.
- Onsite force verification (ASTM E4, 0-300 KN range) and crosshead speed/displacement verification, with certificates of compliance.
- A minimum one-year comprehensive system warranty covering parts, labor, and travel, plus two years of priority technical support and software updates.
Submission Requirements & Evaluation
Interested parties should provide feedback on their ability to meet each requirement, detail any Government Furnished Equipment/Property/Information (GFE/GFP/GFI) needed, list Contractor Furnished Equipment/Property/Information (CFE/CFP/CFI) available, and describe existing support capabilities (staff, training, KSA). Responses must include administrative information (company name, address, POC, Cage Code, DUNS, phone, email, URL, ownership status) and state small business qualifications under NAICS code 334519. Companies must be registered in SAM. Responses are limited to 10 pages.
Set-Aside & Small Business Considerations
The acquisition strategy is still being determined. Small businesses are highly encouraged to respond to help AFLCMC assess competition levels. The government will consider a small business set-aside if two or more small businesses can perform at least 50% of the effort (FAR 52.219-14). If anticipating a small business prime, provide details on FAR 52.219-14 compliance. If not a small business set-aside, provide expected small business utilization percentage.
Deadlines & Contacts
- Responses Due: April 1, 2026, by 12:00 pm EST.
- Submission Email: colin.cochran@us.af.mil and ben.heath.2@us.af.mil.
- Subject Line: "Response to Human Systems Directorate Materials and Textiles Lab Tensile Tester Support Sources Sought Notice # AFLCMC_ROU-26-0001".
- Questions: Submit questions to the POCs; answers will be posted on SAM.gov.