Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division Custom Welding Wire
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 Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), part of the Department of the Navy, is seeking proposals for Custom Welding Wire through a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. This opportunity aims to develop custom aluminum alloys for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) systems. The anticipated contract type is a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order. This is a Full and Open competition. Quotes are due by 11:00 AM ET on February 16, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This requirement supports Task 2 of a collaborative project between NSWCCD and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) to develop custom aluminum alloys. The objective is to enhance precipitation, grain refinement, and achieve stable equiaxed microstructures for WAAM systems. The scope of work includes:
- Alloy Design and Development: Assisting in deploying Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) tools to design alloys for fine, homogeneous grain structures.
- Material Production: Producing custom aluminum welding wire (1.2 mm diameter) and aluminum extrusion plates (5x25x1000mm) based on designed alloys.
- Modeling: Utilizing solidification and solid-state phase transition modeling tools, including Scheil solidification, Columnar to Equiaxed Transition (CET), Crack Susceptibility Coefficient (CSC), and Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagrams.
- Testing & Characterization: Supporting experimental screening through autogenous bead-on-plate welding and production of wire for WAAM systems, identifying best-performing materials. Key deliverables include specific quantities of custom aluminum welding wire (0.5kg batches), extrusion plates, design reports, and technical reports.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order.
- Period of Performance: Award through 2028.
- Place of Performance: Contractor's Facility.
- NAICS Code: 331523
- PSC Code: R425 (Engineering And Technical Services)
- Special Requirements: The contractor must possess solidification and thermomechanical metallurgical processing equipment, including a crucible furnace, casting capabilities, extrusion press, and wire drawing equipment. Collaboration with NSWCCD and JHU is essential. Technical reports must adhere to DI-MISC-80508B and include a specific report on aluminum alloy design methodology (CDRL A001).
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: 11:00 AM ET on February 16, 2026.
- Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted via email to david.w.crouch3.civ@us.navy.mil.
- Required Quote Information: Company Letterhead, Pricing, CAGE Code, FOB Destination, Point of Contact, GSA contract number (if applicable), Business Size, and all pricing rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Shipping charges must be included in the price.
- Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible quoter with the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation. Technical capability will be rated as Acceptable or Unacceptable.
Key Dates & Contact
- Questions Due: 11:00 AM ET on February 9, 2026.
- Published Date: January 20, 2026.
- Primary Contact: David Crouch, david.w.crouch3.civ@us.navy.mil, 301-318-3929.