A -- Extend High Temperature Database for the Development of Advanced Turbine Engine Mechanical Systems

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS. FOR: High Temperature Database for the development of Advanced Turbine Engine Mechanical Systems. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/PRTM), Propulsion Directorate, Turbine Engine Division is considering the award of a sixty (60) month program which will require operation, mechanical design, instrumentation, and installations of laboratory test machines to measure the mechanical and physical properties of high temperature lubricants, bearing materials, and the performance of bearing systems. Anticipated solicitation release date is 1st or 2nd Quarter CY 2007. The purpose of this synopsis is to provide the AF technical team with the ability to determine capabilities of potential respondents. The goal of this effort is to extend and document a database of design requirements and material capability for mechanical systems of turbine engines for manned and unmanned aircraft being developed under Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engine (VAATE) Program. The effort will be performed predominantly on site at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Test planning, data reduction, and interpretation of all results will be required. Typical data will include rolling contact fatigue, friction and wear characterization of bearing, cage and gear materials, and the performance of foil and full scale rolling element bearings. Businesses interested in this effort must respond with a complete capability/qualification package describing the company?s technical expertise, experience, and facilities to accomplish the work described above. Responses may be submitted in writing (only the original is necessary) or electronically and are limited to 75 pages. Each response should reference Research and Development Source Sought Synopsis. Reponses should be sent to ATTN: Sandy N. Roche, AFRL/PKPB, 2310 8th Street, Building 167, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7801, email: Sandy.Roche@wpafb.af.mil. Any non-technical and/or contractual questions should be referred to the individual above at (937) 255-5389. Technical questions may be directed to Mr. Garry Givan, AFRL/PRTM at (937) 255-1286, email: Garry.Givan@wpafb.af.mil.An Ombudsman has been established for this acquisition. The only purpose of the Ombudsman is to receive and communicate serious concerns from potential offerors when an offeror prefers not to use established channels to communicate their concerns during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. Potential offerors should use established channels to request information, post questions, and voice concerns directly to the contracting representative before resorting to the Ombudsman. Amy K. Smith, Deputy Director of Contracting, AFRL/PK, (937)255-3079, email: Amy.Smith@wpafb.af.mil, is the ombudsman for this acquisition. This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Proposal or Invitation for Bid, nor does it restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. This Research and Development Sources Sought Synopsis should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose.