Narrow Warping Machine

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS (Not a Notice of Solicitation) The United States Air Force, ASC/Operational Contracting Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is seeking potential sources that are capable of providing a narrow warping machine, which is an add-on piece to an already existing, custom-made 3D Hybrid Textile weaving machine that was originally produced by the University of Manchester's School of Materials. This machine will be used to supply high-performance fibers to meet finite specifications. This machine is used to fill bobbins with carbon-fiber composites, ceramic fibers, and glass fibers, which are then put into the weaving machine to weave various 3D-reinforced composite material configurations. Firms responding shall specify that their equipment meets the specifications provided below and provide detailed product information to show clear technical compliance. Additionally, sales history including recent commercial companies sold to should be included to determine commerciality. The required specifications for the narrow warping machine consist of the following: • 290.4 mm flange-to-flange warp-beam length • 151.2 mm warp-beam flange diameter • Tensioner: bobbin support that rotates bobbin and applies correct tension • Ability to support grooved warp-beams • Groove support for at least 6,000 & 12,000 carbon fiber tows • 10 m length capacity within each tow • Must be compatible with the current 3D Hybrid Textile weaving machine that was originally produced by the University of Manchester's School of Materials All interested firms shall submit a response demonstrating their capabilities to produce the requested equipment to the Primary Point of Contact listed below. As stipulated in FAR 15.201, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government's discretion. Firms responding should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, or a woman owned business. The general definition of a small business is one that is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation in which it is proposing on Air Force contracts and with its affiliates; and the number of employees does not exceed 500. NAICS Code to be used for this acquisition is 333292. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto for any subsequent acquisition. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a Foreign-owned/Foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort. Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is voluntary. This sources sought notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government reimburse any costs associated with the submission of information in response to this notice. Respondents will not individually be notified of the results of any government assessments. The Government's evaluation of the capability statements received will factor into whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition or as a set-aside for small businesses, or any particular small business designation (e.g. SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), SDB, WOSB, VOSB, etc.). Capabilities package: All interested firms shall submit a capabilities package that explicitly demonstrates company capabilities-indicating examples of commercial sales-and product specifications related to this effort. Responses may be submitted electronically to the following e-mail address: [email protected] in a Microsoft word compatible format or mailed to ASC/PKOAA POC: Kelsy Perry, 1940 Allbrook Dr., Rm 109, Wright-Patterson AFB, Oh 45433-5309 to be received no later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 17 November 2011. Direct all questions concerning this acquisition to Kelsy Perry at [email protected].