Water Jet
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 28 CONS PKC at Ellsworth AFB, SD, is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify capable vendors for the provision and installation of a Water Jet Machine. This is strictly for market analysis to determine industry capabilities. Responses are due by June 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a new, completely pre-assembled, and factory-tested cantilever-style X-Y-Z Axis Water Jet Machining Center. Key specifications include:
- Technical Requirements: WIN10 64 Bit controller, minimum 100” X 55” cutting envelope, 8” Z-axis travel, +/- 0.0010” positional accuracy and repeatability, 180 in/min travel speed.
- Pump System: Minimum 30 hp direct drive pump, 60,000 PSI, capable of 0.67 GPM with a 0.012” nozzle.
- Features: Rapid water level control (min 3” adjustment for submerged cutting below 80 dBA), minimum 600lb bulk abrasive delivery system, rigid scissor-style hard plumbing, programmable solids removal system, laser locating device, compact video camera for precise material location, and Ethernet capability.
- Provision & Installation: Includes initial 2200 lbs. of garnet abrasive, 12 seats of standalone controller software, machine start-up, assembly, leveling, and initial operational setup by a factory technician.
- Training: 4 days of on-site training for up to 5 students covering programming, operation, maintenance, and first pump rebuild.
- Site Requirements: Contractor must adhere to OSHA, national standards, military manuals, and Corps of Engineers Safety Manuals. This includes HAZMART approval, safeguarding government property, and compliance with base security and pandemic response policies. The machine will be delivered to BLDG 7520 RM 171 at Ellsworth AFB, SD.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research Only)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 17, 2026, 05:00 PM MDT
- Published: May 28, 2026
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market analysis only; it is not a request for proposal or an invitation for bid. Any correspondence is strictly for market analysis. Interested companies should email A1C Trent Waterman (trent.waterman@us.af.mil) and Joshua Johnson (joshua.johnson.233@us.af.mil) to indicate their willingness and capability to satisfy this requirement. Responses must include the company's CAGE code and any active GSA contract numbers.