AEDC Releases RFP for Hypersonic Propulsion Test Program

AEDC DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Arnold Engineering Development Center/Enterprise Acquisition Division (AEDC/PKE), Arnold AFB, Tennessee, announces the requirement for the Hypersonic Propulsion Test Capability (HPTC) Program. This announcement follows a Request for Information (FA9101-09-RFI-0002) in Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) in September 2009 and subsequent amendments. An Industry Day was held on 20 October 2009.

This announcement releases the draft Request for Proposal (dRFP). Interested parties are requested to review the draft and provide written questions and comments regarding any section of the dRFP to the Contracting Officer by 15 July 2010. All questions and comments will be considered for possible incorporation into a subsequent draft and/or final RFP.

The purpose of the HPTC project is to implement a varying Mach number trajectory simulation test capability in AEDC’s Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU). This project comes as the next major phase of a multiyear upgrade plan to provide a national ground test capability for hypersonic propulsion systems. This effort is planned for six years with Full Operational Capability in FY16.

This contract includes the following scope of work: (1) design, fabrication, and installation of a 2-D flexible wall nozzle (FWN) system that will provide flow shaping capability, (2) retention of fixed area ratio nozzle capability, (3) demolition of unused process equipment in the APTU Test Building, (4) installation of flow quality and boundary layer measurement system rakes and/or components thereof for the nozzle inlet and nozzle exit, (5) operational demonstration of the FWN subsystem at the Contractor’s facilities, and (6) operation of the FWN system in the APTU facility to demonstrate the nozzle can operate in the required test environment.

AEDC is pursuing a full and open, best value source selection under FAR Part 15 for the HPTC Program. The RFP is expected to be released by the end of September 2010. Offerors will be given 45 days to respond to the solicitation. The Government expects to award a contract by the middle of June 2011. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the agency. The RFP and related documents will only be available electronically at the FBO website. Please register as a source to be notified of RFP amendments, clarifications, etc. However, it is the responsibility of contractors (even those registered as a source) to check the FBO website frequently to ensure they have all available information.

Please note that this acquisition involves technology that has a military or space application. Only U.S. Contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. The FBO system determines access to the solicitation based on a vendor’s Cage Code/MPIN. The dRFP will be updated periodically as data is prepared for release.

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