Refurbishment of Ajax Electric Hultgren Type D Salt-Bath Furnace
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 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify capable vendors for the refurbishment of an Ajax Electric Hultgren Type D Salt-Bath Furnace. This turnkey requirement includes updating control and recording systems with specific Honeywell components, installation, technical data, and training. The work will be performed at Fleet Readiness Center South West, San Diego, CA. Responses are due by April 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The refurbishment entails a comprehensive, turnkey upgrade of an existing Ajax molten salt bath furnace (serial #4217-A) and its associated quench tank. Key requirements include:
- Control Systems: Integration of Honeywell HC900 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and MiniTrend digital chart recorder. Substitutions are not acceptable.
- Heating System: Installation of a new natural gas heating source capable of 850°F to 990°F operating temperature with ±5°F stability, reaching a maximum of 1100°F, and meeting Class 1 ±5.0°F furnace performance (SAE AMS 2750).
- Furnace Components: Removal and replacement of the existing salt bath tank liner and insulation with new refractory brick, installation of a new impeller agitation system (4 units), and replacement of the furnace lid, rail system, and pneumatic open/close mechanism.
- Quench Tank: Provision of a new matching ambient temperature stainless steel water quench tank.
- Materials: Furnishing and installing a new heat-treating salt solution (50% sodium nitrate, 50% potassium nitrate).
- Electrical: Removal and replacement of the existing electrical cabinet, including all necessary wiring, switches, and devices. Motors must be rated for continuous duty and meet NEMA MG 1 standards.
- Deliverables: Provision of technical data (drawings, manuals), development of a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), and an Acceptance Test Plan (ATP).
- Services: Draining of the furnace, rigging, conveyance, shipping, delivery, installation (including salt and water removal/disposal, and existing quench tank removal), and training for Government personnel.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 333994 (Metal Heat Treating And Non Thermal Treating Equipment)
- PSC: 3424 (Metal Heat Treating And Non Thermal Treating Equipment)
- Set-Aside: None specified (for market research purposes)
- Response Due: April 18, 2026, 03:59 PM EDT
- Published: March 19, 2026, 07:30 PM EDT
Submission Instructions
Interested parties should email responses to avnipemarketresearch@dla.mil. Submissions must not exceed ten (10) one-sided 8.5 x 10 inch pages, with a font no smaller than 10 point. The DLA is requesting industry input on the feasibility of requirements and asks for:
- Company capabilities.
- Comments on the attached Statement of Work (SOW) and draft purchase description.
- Company business size (employees, domestic/foreign) for set-aside consideration.
- Manufacturer status (Manufacturer/Non-Manufacturing Source) and identification of manufacturer if applicable.
- Intent to partner with subcontractors.
- Ability to supply blast booth with required Allen Bradley parts/components.
- A basis of estimate for the total financial budget, broken out by furnace level of effort, training, tech data, installation/removals, rigging, and shipping.
Additional Notes
This is for information purposes only and is not a request for quote/proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government. No funds are available for response preparation, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.