The Air Force Institute of Technology requires a High Temperature Metric Unit Axial Extensometer. This device is essential for measuring deformation in specimens during mechanical testing, especially when both axial and torsional loads are applied. Key requirements include a 1-inch axial gage length, 0.8-inch sample diameter, +/- 10% axial travel, +/- 5 degrees angular travel, and compatibility with MTS loadframes and Station Manager software. The extensometer must also have a water-cooling option, sustain temperatures up to 1200 C, and be a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) item. The manufacturer needs to have US-based field service technicians capable of accessing military installations. All products must be domestic or qualifying country end products. Delivery is required within four months of contract award to the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with a one-year warranty. Commercial vehicle deliveries larger than a large pickup truck are subject to inspection at Gate 16A, with specific exemptions and procedures for time-sensitive deliveries or re-entry. Payment will be 100% upon completion, on a net 30 basis, via Wide Area Work Flow.

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) requires a high-temperature metric unit axial/torsional extensometer for advanced aerospace material testing exceeding 1000°C. This specialized equipment is essential for measuring deformation under both axial and torsional loads, which standard axial extensometers cannot achieve. The extensometer must be compatible with AFIT's existing MTS brand infrastructure. Market research, including Federal Procurement Data System searches and expert consultations, revealed a limited market with no fully acceptable alternatives. A specific company is identified as the sole manufacturer capable of producing the required extensometer, and since they do not work with resellers, a sole-source award is justified. Other potential manufacturers' products were found to be incompatible or lacking necessary features. The government intends to continue market research to identify future vendors.

The United States Air Force, AFLCMC/PZIBB, intends to award a sole source Firm-Fixed-Price contract to MTS Systems Corporation for a high-temperature axial torsion extensometer. This notice, published for informational purposes, states the government's determination that MTS Systems Corporation is the only known source capable of meeting the requirements, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The procurement falls under NAICS Code 334519. While a sole source award is intended, other responsible sources may submit capability statements or exceptions by August 12, 2025, 2:00 PM EDT. All contractors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). Inquiries should be emailed to Major Toussaint Lesly and Amanda Hoyng by the deadline, with a specific subject line to ensure delivery.