Notice Type: Notice of Contract Action Monel K-500 Alloy Metal Suppliers Online
Justification, Statutory Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) - Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.
Contract Award Date: TBD
Contract Award Number: TBD
DISCLAIMER AND NOTICE: This is a courtesy Notice of Contract Action only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that AFTC/PZRB, will take procurement action in this matter. This is NOT a request for proposals, applications, proposal abstracts, or quotation. This courtesy Notice of Contract Action only shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. Further, the Government will NOT be responsible nor reimburse any submitters of information for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.
Synopsis:
This is a Single Source synopsis published for informational purposes only.
The United States Air Force Test Center/Directorate of Contracting (AFTC/PZRB), Edwards AFB, CA intends to issue a sole source contract to Metal Suppliers Online for the Monel K-500 Alloy requirement.
The contract will be executed by means of other than full and open competition, as Metal Suppliers Online is the sole company identified as capable of fulfilling the requirements for high-pressure, oxygen-compatible tubing for use in the oxygen systems of the Multiscale Rocket Engine Test (MRET) Facility for the Air Force Rocket Lab (AFRL) at Edwards AFB. Attempts were made to identify potential vendors through ongoing communications with commercial counterparts in propulsion development and testing and conversations with component manufacturers, which indicated a general unavailability of this material as the specific combination of size/form/alloy is unique to very high pressure, oxygen-compatible systems.
A Request for Information was posted to SAM.gov and additional request emails were distributed to 30 businesses based on a search of vendors with Monel experience provided through ThomasNet, which led to one positive response from Metal Suppliers Online.
As the requirements for this Monel K-500 Tubing are unique and must be exact, market research identified one source: Metal Suppliers Online, as the sole contractor capable of meeting the minimum Government agency specifications. The Government does not perceive any alternatives which outweigh the Metal Suppliers Online option or satisfy the requirements as necessary.
The authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.
It is recommended to obtain a solution to this requirement from Metal Suppliers Online, which is the sole vendor considered technically acceptable to meet mission schedules and mission requirements that will be the most cost-effective options for the taxpayer.
Contractors must be registered in System for Award (SAM) at www.sam.gov
Please submit all questions, comments and feedback regarding this notice via e-mail to the following Points of Contact by the deadline of 4:00pm PST 10 February 2025:
- Mr. Tyer Pittmon, Contracting Officer, Email: tyler.pittmon@us.af.mil
- Ms. Suzanna Kussman, Contract Specialist, Email: suzanna.kussman@us.af.mil
No telephone responses will be accepted. Any information submitted by respondents to this Notice of Contract Action is strictly voluntary. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be properly protected from disclosure. No classified information shall be submitted. Any response submitted by respondents to this Notice of Contract Action constitutes consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel.
The Air Force Test Center has appointed an Ombudsman to consider and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. Concerned parties should address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution prior to consulting the Ombudsman. Additionally, Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation (AFFARS) 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman, will be included in any potential solicitation and contract for this acquisition. The AFTC Ombudsman contact information is as follows: Air Force Test Center Vice Commander 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784. Phone Number (661) 277-2810, Facsimile Number (661) 277-7593, Email: aftc.workflow@us.af.mil.
Background
The United States Air Force Test Center/Directorate of Contracting (AFTC/PZRB) at Edwards AFB, CA intends to issue a sole source contract to Metal Suppliers Online for the Monel K-500 Alloy requirement.
This contract is necessary for high-pressure, oxygen-compatible tubing used in the oxygen systems of the Multiscale Rocket Engine Test (MRET) Facility for the Air Force Rocket Lab (AFRL). Metal Suppliers Online is identified as the only company capable of fulfilling these unique requirements due to the specific combination of size, form, and alloy needed for very high pressure, oxygen-compatible systems.
Work Details
The contract will involve the provision of high-pressure, oxygen-compatible tubing made from Monel K-500 Alloy (UNS NO5500). The specifications include:
- Length: Twelve (12) stock lengths, each 12 ft (+/-2 in.), totaling approximately 144 ft.
- Outside diameter: 2 in. (+/- 0.010 in.), as per ASTM B163-22 Table 2; ASTM B165-19 Table 3.
- Wall thickness: 0.5 in. nominal (+/- 10%), as per ASTM B163-22 Table 2; ASTM B165-19 Table 3.
- Testing: Mechanical requirements demonstration as per QQ-N-286G, Sections 4.3.2.2 and 4.3.2.2.1.
- A Material Test Report must be provided with shipment.
Place of Performance
Edwards AFB, CA
