Ceramic matrix composite material/components
ID: SS-AFRL-PZLEQ-2025-0002Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA2396 USAF AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND AFRL PZL AFRL PZLEWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

MISCELLANEOUS FABRICATED NONMETALLIC MATERIALS (9390)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is seeking qualified contractors to fabricate three ceramic matrix composite materials/components designed for high-temperature applications. The primary objective is to develop materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from 1600-3500K and pressures from 1.9-17.6 bar, which are critical for the operation of rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) intended for the U.S. Space Force. This procurement is vital for advancing propulsion technology that enhances national defense capabilities. Interested small businesses must submit their responses by November 22, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, addressing specific capability questions and providing relevant company information to Natasha Randall at natasha.randall@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the Statement of Work for a project focused on developing high-temperature resistant materials for rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) intended for the U.S. Space Force. RDREs operate using detonation-based combustion, offering higher efficiency and smaller combustor sizes compared to traditional engines. The project emphasizes the need for materials capable of enduring extreme conditions—temperatures ranging from 1600-3500K and pressures from 1.9-17.6 bar—without active cooling. Key requirements include the production of three ceramic composite panels designed for mechanical and oxidative testing, as well as four inner-body components subject to pre- and post-test analyses by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The contractor must employ scalable manufacturing techniques and demonstrate prior success in similar testing environments to ensure material viability. The overall aim is to provide materials that can sustain the RDRE environment, enabling the U.S. Department of the Air Force and Space Force to leverage this advanced propulsion technology effectively. This document aligns with the objectives of government RFPs by emphasizing rigorous testing and material innovation critical to national defense aerospace advancements.
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