Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies
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 Department of the Air Force, specifically the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified sources for Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies. This is a brand name requirement for BASCO products, which must be made in the United States. This is not a solicitation, and the Government will not pay for response expenses. Responses are due by May 13, 2026, at 10 AM Central Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the design, manufacture, and verification of five (5) VKF Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies for installation at AEDC, Arnold Air Force Base. The contractor will supply the assemblies, including all tubes, supports, and fins, with installation performed by the Government.
Two distinct types of cooler construction are specified:
- First and Second Stage Coolers (X11, X12, X13, X14, X21, X22): Shall be 4-pass triple inlet/outlet waterflow fin tube construction.
- Other Coolers (X71, X81, X91): Shall be 2-pass single inlet/outlet waterflow shell and tube construction.
Performance & Special Requirements
Each fin and tube bundle must operate at required capacity even with up to 20% of tubes plugged and meet or exceed performance requirements detailed in Appendix B. Materials must withstand specific cooling water properties (pH, suspended solids, etc.).
Key requirements include:
- Workmanship: Components must be free of sharp edges or defects.
- Physical Fit: Bundles must fit existing envelopes without modification; rigging points designed per AISC-ASD, with lift diagrams required.
- Mechanical: Interface with existing drains and flex hoses; lead or asbestos materials are prohibited.
- Marking: Assemblies must be clearly marked with name, upstream/downstream sides, and permanently attached nameplates.
- Cleaning: Bundles must be free of oxides, oils, and lubricants post-installation.
- Verification & Testing: Includes engineering analysis, pressure tests (vacuum for fin tube, hydro for shell and tube), fabrication inspection, and packaging for long-term outside storage.
- Submittals: Detailed requirements for analysis, fabrication drawings, testing reports, inspection reports, and warranty are outlined in Appendix C.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified (for market research)
- Response Due: May 13, 2026, 10 AM Central Time
- Published: May 5, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested sources must provide a BASCO reseller letter, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, size status, preliminary estimate, and lead time.
Additional Notes
This is solely for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Responses will not be compensated.