ContractSources Sought

AFRL/RWTE Explosive-Resistant Friction Ovens

DEPT OF DEFENSE• SS-AFRL-RIZ-2026-0018
Response Deadline
Jun 8, 2026
17 days left
Days Remaining
17
Until deadline
Set-Aside
Full & Open
Notice Type
Sources Sought

Contract Opportunity Analysis

The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, on behalf of AFRL/RWTE, is seeking information from small businesses for a requirement to purchase two explosive-resistant friction ovens for use at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The ovens are intended to dry and cure energetic materials and support aging studies, and the effort includes providing equipment that meets the attached minimum requirements along with related specifications and supporting documentation. Key technical needs include intrinsically safe Class I/Division I interiors, remote control from more than 300 feet away, a 40°C to 90°C operating range with at least 120°C maximum temperature, uniform heat distribution, tray capacity, purge systems for NFPA compliance, and a spare PLC and HMI dashboard. Capability packages are due by June 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST and must be emailed to christopher.olp-weakland@us.af.mil with the subject line “SS-AFRL-RIZ-2026-0018 AFRL/RWTE Explosive-Resistant Friction Ovens,” using only the allowed attachment formats.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
333994
Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing
PSC Code
4430
INDUSTRIAL FURNACES, KILNS, LEHRS, AND OVENS

Solicitation Documents

2 Files
Sources Sought Notice.docx
Word•17 KB•May 22, 2026
AI Summary
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has issued a Sources Sought (SS)/Request for Information (RFI) to purchase two explosive-resistant friction ovens for AFRL/RWTE at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This is not a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Small Business concerns are invited to identify their interest and capability to meet the requirements outlined in the Minimum Requirements Document (MRD) by June 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Capability packages should include company information, small business designation, relevant experience, item specifications, potential teammates, identified risks, and GSA contract details if applicable. Submissions must be sent via email to christopher.olp-weakland@us.af.mil with the subject line “SS-AFRL-RIZ-2026-0018 AFRL/RWTE Explosive-Resistant Friction Ovens,” and attachments should be limited to .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx formats.
Minimum Requirements Document (MRD).docx
Word•18 KB•May 22, 2026
AI Summary
AFRL/RWTE requires two explosive-resistant friction ovens to dry and cure energetic materials and support aging studies. The current ovens are 40 years old, with only half operational and requiring extensive maintenance. The new ovens must have intrinsically safe interiors for Class I/Division I areas, with approximate interior dimensions of 37" W x 34" D x 42" H. They need an operating temperature range of 40°C to 90°C, a maximum temperature of at least 120°C, and remote control capabilities from over 300 feet away. All components, including motors and wiring, must be suitable for Class I/Division I environments, ensuring uniform heat distribution. Each oven must include three 36" W x 33" D x 1" H material trays with a 175 lbs capacity each and room for additional trays. Consoles require a purging system for NFPA compliance, and a spare Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) dashboard are required. A minimum one-year warranty is also mandatory.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedMay 22, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineJun 8, 2026
expiryArchive DateJun 23, 2026

Agency Information

Department
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-Tier
DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Office
FA2396 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL PZLE

Point of Contact

Name
Christof Olp-Weakland

Place of Performance

GOULDS, Florida, UNITED STATES

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov