A -- Ethylene Propylene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber

This is not a solicitation, but a Sources Sought Notice. This will be a research project prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 35.007, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. NAICS code is 541710. Description: The Air Force Research Laboratory has a requirement for investigations toward identifying variability in the mechanical properties of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber with the following specifications: Objective Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is currently utilized as the state-of-the-art matrix material in solid rocket motor (SRM) internal insulation. Test firings of SRM?s containing such insulation have revealed inconsistencies in ablative performance, which may be traced to a variety of sources. Although other components are dispersed into the EPDM matrix for this technology application, the observed variability in the measured mechanical properties of the neat sulfur-vulcanized rubber may be the root of the problem, requiring investigation. The target of this program is to identify the sources, likely chemical in nature, causing the irreproducibility in observed tensile properties of EPDM rubber, setting the stage for further structure ? ablative property relationship studies. Description of Work The request is for a one-time service contract that will provide non-personal services for all labor, tools, materials, and facilities to test EPDM through thermal and mechanical methods, both in the uncured and cured states (requiring compounding with sulfur). AFRL/PRSM and the contractor shall hold regular teleconferences to track the progress of the program. The contractor shall compound EPDM with sulfur through appropriate techniques as necessary (Brabender, Banbury, milling, etc.). The contractor shall measure the thermal properties of uncured and sulfur-cured EPDM through thermal analysis such as, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), targeting the observance of glass ? rubber transitions as well as any crystallization and melting properties for each test sample following mechanical testing, noting that ethylene content may be tracked through this type of characterization. The contractor shall fabricate test coupons of EPDM (virgin and sulfur-vulcanized) for tensile measurements and provide AFRL/PRSM with the test specimens at the conclusion of the program effort. Mechanical testing shall follow industry standard guidelines such as, ASTM Standard D638. The contractor shall monitor the sulfur-vulcanization kinetics of EPDM through viscometry and/or thermal analysis techniques. A final report will be provided to AFRL/PRSM at the conclusion of the program effort. This work will consist of the following: Meet with AFRL (online or in person) to define material, testing matrix, and deliverables. Estimated Delivery: Two (2) weeks after contract award Submit report, give presentation (online or in person) to AFRL on research activities. Estimated Delivery: Eight (8) weeks after contract award Submit final report detailing all research activities conducted on the program. Estimated Delivery: Sixteen (16) weeks after contract award SHIPPING FOB DESTINATION EDWARDS, AFB CA 93424 Additional information: Contractual point of contact is Katy Doss, (661) 277-8597, fax 661-277-2114, E-mail: kathrin.doss@edwards.af.mil. Responses must be received no later than (NLT) 4:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, 11 May 2007. Responses should be submitted to: Katy Doss, Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC/PKTB), Directorate of Contracting, 5 South Wolfe Avenue, Edwards AFB, CA 93524.