Spark Plasma Sintering System
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 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Synopsis to identify potential suppliers for a Spark Plasma Sintering System. This system is required by the ERDC Environmental Laboratory, Environmental Chemistry Branch (EPC), for the synthesis and densification of materials in support of their research and mission. Responses are due by April 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
The primary requirement is for a Spark Plasma Sintering System with specific technical specifications. Key components and features include:
- Main Unit: Must support a maximum pressure of 70 KN, a stroke of 150 mm, an open height of 200 mm, servo motor pressurization, a tie-bar frame structure, and a digital Z-axis position display with a minimum resolution of 0.001 mm. It must also feature a rectangular vacuum chamber with a front door and a cooling system.
- DC Pulse Generator: Capable of reaching a maximum temperature of 2500°C, an exhaust speed of 2Pa within 5 minutes from atmospheric air, and a maximum output of 1000A, with an option to increase to 3000A.
- Control Unit: To include an 8-channel Data Acquisition System (DAS), an emergency stop function, various safety systems, a high vacuum system capable of reaching up to 5 x 10-3 Pa, and a PC running Windows 10.
- Optional: A cooling water circulation system and a glove box system are desired.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Delivery: Must be delivered no later than six (6) months from the order date.
- Ship To: Vicksburg, MS 39180.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 750 employees).
- Response Due: April 7, 2026, 1:00 PM CST
- Published: April 1, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested companies with NAICS code 334516 are requested to submit the following information via email:
- Firm's Name and Address
- Point of Contact (name, phone, email)
- UEI/Cage Code
- Business Size, including designation as HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Business, and large business. The Government will verify SBA certifications via SAM.
- Capability Statement (not to exceed ten pages).
Submissions should be emailed to Crystal.E.North@usace.army.mil and Sonia.J.Boyd@usace.army.mil with the subject line: "Spark Plasma Sintering System W912HZ26X1BHQ." This is for market research purposes only and does not obligate the Government to any contract award.
Additional Notes
This is not a Solicitation Announcement or a Request for Proposal. No phone calls will be accepted.