Rubber Insulation
ID: N6893624R0043Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE NAVYNAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTERCHINA LAKE, CA, 93555-6018, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC13)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Air Warfare Center, is issuing a presolicitation notice for a sole-source contract focused on the research and development of advanced solid rocket motor internal insulation materials designed for extreme low-temperature operational requirements. The project entails laboratory-scale formulation, prototype production, and material characterization, with deliverables including test data, prototype-scale material lots, and supporting documentation. R.E. Darling Co., Inc. (REDAR) is identified as the only responsible source capable of fulfilling the requirements due to its proprietary formulations and specialized infrastructure. Interested parties may submit capability statements demonstrating their qualifications by the deadline of 15 days after posting, with submissions directed to Erin Villar at erin.m.villar.civ@us.navy.mil or Brian Gillead at larry.b.gillead.civ@us.navy.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines a project for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapon Division to develop advanced insulation materials for solid rocket motors, capable of enduring extremely low temperatures. Traditional rubbers are inadequate for operations below -40°F, prompting the need for new materials that enhance mechanical properties while preserving thermal insulation. The project comprises multiple phases, with key deliverables including progress reports, material samples, and final assessments of mechanical and thermal properties. The contractor is responsible for maintaining compatibility with government IT, ensuring security protocols, and managing personnel. All work will primarily be conducted off-site, with a focus on producing materials in large quantities and minimizing supply chain delays. The overarching goals are to identify viable insulation formulations and conduct necessary revisions based on government testing results. This SOW serves to foster innovation in propulsion technology critical for defense applications, illustrating the government's investment in research and development within this field.
    The Statement of Work (SOW) focuses on developing low-temperature capable advanced insulation for solid rocket motors, specifically for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapon Division (NAWCWD). Existing insulation materials fail to perform adequately at temperatures below -40°F, prompting the need for alternatives that enhance mechanical properties without compromising thermal insulation. Key requirements include maintaining compatibility with the Government's IT environment, conducting remote communications, and hosting meetings with necessary technical capabilities. The contractor is responsible for producing samples and reports detailing material development, performance testing, and addressing deficiencies identified by the Government throughout two phases of the project. Phase One entails exploring various formulations, delivering initial sample materials, and completing associated reports within nine months. Phase Two involves larger-scale testing and further refinement of materials over six months. The contract also highlights information security protocols to protect controlled unclassified information and outlines comprehensive operational, personnel security, and communications security requirements. This SOW underscores the Navy’s commitment to advancing rocket technology while ensuring compliance with security and operational standards, guiding contractors through stringent development and testing processes in the field of aerospace insulation materials.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Rubber Insulation
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
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