Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Phillips Corporation

The U.S. Air Force, through the 22nd Contracting Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, intends to award a firm fixed price contract solely to Phillips Corporation for a specialized dual-chamber radiant/convection heat-treating furnace system, model DEF-DC-RH-181248/2000-CH-241648/1200, along with an upgrade kit. This procurement is justified under FAR Part 6.103-1 as a sole source acquisition because only Phillips Corporation can provide the exact equipment required to meet the mission-critical technical standards of TO 1-1A-9 and AMS2750, which govern heat treatment processes for aerospace materials including aluminum, precipitation-hardening stainless steel, titanium, and ferrous alloys. The furnace must include an inert atmosphere, gas-tight chamber capable of safely processing titanium, and will be installed at the Metal Technology Shop at McConnell AFB to replace outdated equipment and enhance production capacity for flight-certified components. The North American Industry Classification System code is 332811 with a size standard of 750 employees, though Phillips Corporation’s small business status is not documented. No formal request for proposals was issued; instead, interested parties were invited to express interest via email to two designated contracting officers by 8:00 AM CT on May 11, 2026, with all costs of response borne by the respondent. The procurement relies on a documented Justification and Approval under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), citing exclusive distribution rights and market research confirming no other vendors—small or otherwise—are capable of meeting the technical specifications. Payment and invoicing procedures will follow standard DoD protocols likely using WAWF, though specific financial details such as contract value, CLINs, or accounting codes are not provided. Delivery and performance will occur at McConnell AFB, Kansas, with final acceptance determined by the Government based on compliance with all technical standards, and no contract options, clauses, or socioeconomic set-asides are applicable.