ES1-35 Eglin Steel and S1-40 Tool Steel

A sole source procurement is contemplated with North American Hoganas, Inc. (NAH), 11 Hoganas Way, Hollsopple, PA 15935-6416. AFRL/RWMW has a requirement for the following: One (1) each 8600 lb. ingot of ES1-35 Eglin Steel and one (1) each 8600 lb. ingot of S1-40 Tool Steel for evaluation in the Advanced Warhead Evaluation Facility (AWEF) Dynamic Properties Laboratory for application to future high speed penetrator programs. This purchase will support AFRL/RWMW in the AWEF Dynamic Properties Laboratory for application to Eglin Steel Reproducibility Program. In order to develop and produce this more advanced steel and ensure the proper quality control requirements are met, the Government requirement mandates using the production process of (1) Induction Furnace melting with Argon Stirring, (2) Ladle Refining with Argon Purging capabilities and (3) Vacuum Degassing Treatment. NAH has provided this steel before utilizing the above production processes. Additionally, the steel will be Vacuum Arc Re-melted (VAR) and forged into 11.0 inch billets. Other companies were contacted previously about this requirement but none were able to provide the small melts needed for a reasonable price using the same production techniques; hence, NAH was awarded the original and subsequent orders. Purchasing from another company would not only cost much more but, more importantly, introduce unacceptable risk into the accuracy of the evaluation results since the production process for the melt by another firm would not be exactly the same as the process used by NAH. However, all interested parties may submit statements of capability; these will be considered if received by noon central time zone within 15 days of publication of this notice (28 May 09). Submit to: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RWK), Attn: Mark Fitzgerald, 101 W. Eglin Blvd., Ste. 337, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810. Please refer technical questions to Dr. Morris Dilmore, 850-882-9644, and business questions to Mark Fitzgerald, 850-883-2670. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns of offerors or potential offerors. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program manager or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and all recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or the source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather to the contracting point of contact identified above. The Ombudsman is Sue Hunter at 937-904-9700.