Hypersonic Test Facility Reactivation
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 Test Center (AFTC), Specialized Contracting Branch (PZZC) at Eglin AFB is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify qualified sources for the Hypersonic Test Facility (HTF) Reactivation. This effort aims to restore the mothballed HTF at the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, to a fully functional state to provide critical clean-air hypersonic testing capabilities. Responses are due March 19, 2026.
Purpose & Background
The Department of Defense (DoD) requires a high-enthalpy, clean-air (non-vitiated) ground test capability for scramjet technologies and hypersonic flight vehicles, as existing facilities use vitiated air which affects test accuracy. The HTF, mothballed since 2007, is a blow-down, clean-air wind tunnel designed to simulate Mach 5-7 flight conditions using a non-combustion heating process. An assessment has confirmed its viability for reactivation, which will fill a critical national testing capability gap.
Scope of Work
The Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) seeks to reactivate the HTF over an anticipated 18-24 month period, executed in two phases. This Sources Sought focuses on Phase 1: Reactivation, which involves restoring the HTF to a safe, documented, and fully functional state. This phase encompasses program management, engineering, labor, materials, procurement, and documentation across four primary Lines of Effort (LOE):
- LOE 1 - Heater/Hot Train: Refurbishment and re-certification of the 3 MW graphite heater, high-temperature piping, and related components.
- LOE 2 - Controls: Modernization and recommissioning of operational control systems, including hardware replacement and software updates.
- LOE 3 - Process Controls: Restoration, calibration, and functional checkout of instrumentation, sensors, valves, and actuators.
- LOE 4 - Power Distribution: Inspection, testing, repair, and certification of high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems. Specific tasks include Program Management Plan development, Systems Engineering and Integration, Subsystem Refurbishment and Reassembly, and ensuring NASA Interface, Safety, and Environmental Compliance.
Response Requirements
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research only; it is not a solicitation. Interested vendors must submit a capabilities statement (not exceeding 50 pages) explicitly demonstrating their ability to perform the requirement. Respondents should indicate their size (e.g., SB, 8(a), HUBZone, EDWOSB, WOSB, SDVOSB) and SAM registration status. Small businesses with partial capabilities are encouraged to respond for potential breakout or subcontracting opportunities.
Important Notes
No set-aside decision has been made; responses will inform whether a future solicitation will be full and open or a small business set-aside. The Government is not obligated to acknowledge receipt, provide feedback, or reimburse costs. No bid package or solicitation exists at this time.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine)
- Response Due: March 19, 2026, 1:00 PM CST
- Published: February 26, 2026
- Primary Contact: David Thomas (david_duane.thomas@us.af.mil)