Notice of Intent to Sole Source- Cold Spray of Composite Panels
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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for custom cold spray services. The intent is to award a Firm-Fixed Price contract to VRC Metal Systems LLC (CAGE Code: 71U36) for the cold spray of ERDC-owned composite panels. This is an 8(a) Sole Source action. Responses from other responsible sources are due by May 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves applying cold spray copper deposition to eight ERDC-furnished composite panels, each measuring 1.2 m × 1.2 m. The panels consist of two material systems: carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) and glass fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (GF/PPS). The contractor must replicate previously established parameters, with four panels receiving a single-pass deposition and four receiving a two-pass deposition, ensuring one panel of each material configuration is included in each condition.
Deliverables
Deliverables include eight copper-coated composite panels, comprehensive documentation of deposition parameters and processing conditions, and a summary of any deviations from the specified requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (intended Firm-Fixed Price contract)
- Duration: Period of performance is 6 months from the date of award. Panels must be returned to ERDC within 90 days of receipt.
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)
- Response Due: May 4, 2026, 4:00 PM CST
- Published: April 27, 2026
- Place of Performance: Vicksburg, MS
Sole Source Justification
The sole source justification stems from the need to continue critical GSL research in the Concrete Materials Branch (CMB). The effort requires the application of cold spray copper coatings using deposition parameters previously developed through a collaborative research effort. Maintaining consistency with these established methodologies is crucial to preserve data integrity and ensure compatibility with the ERDC-furnished panels. VRC Metal Systems LLC is identified as the only company capable due to their familiarity with these specific parameters and material systems, preventing variability that would compromise scientific value.
Response Instructions
This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive quotes. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation demonstrating their ability to fulfill the requirement, including past experience and references. Submissions will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. The government retains discretion regarding competition. Oral communications are not acceptable. Submissions should be sent to Tam Coronel at Tam.M.Coronel@usace.army.mil.