Operational Contracting Division, 1940 Allbrook Dr, Ste 3 Bldg 1, WPAFB OH 45433-5309

34 -- DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION UNIT SOL F33601-96-R-0181 DUE 030797 POC For copy, ASC/PKWO, Attn: Bldg 260, 1940 Allbrook Dr, Ste 3, WPAFB OH 45433-5309 POC: R Fulmer/PKWOCB/937-257-5858 Fax No 937-257-3926. Wright-Patterson AFB OH has a need for a vertical, directional solidification (D.S.) unit based on the induction float-zone method. It is required for processing titanium alloys and titanium aluminides on a laboratory scale. The unit shall be capable of producing single crystals or aligned, columnar gains. The system shall allow experimental characterization of solidification microstructures obtained at different values of temperature gradients and solidification rates under both transient and steady-state conditions. Melting and directional solidification shall be conducted inside a chamber which is capable of operating in a vacuum better than 10-3 torr as well as positive pressure up to 10 psi argon. The government will provide the induction power supply system, including the work coil and the flux concentrator plate. However, the D.S. unit shall include a suitable arrangement involving bellows and coaxial feed-through in order to align the melt stock and the coil. The D.S. unit shall be equipped with sturdy support structures for supporting the chamber and the feeding system. The withdrawal system shall be capable of pulling the solidified rods, with diameters ranging from 10-25 mm (0.375-1-0 in.) from the melting zone. A suitable water cooling arrangement with inlet and outlet manifolds, pressure gauges, valves, temperature indicators and pressure relief valves shall be incorporated. A control system, including both hardware and software required to drive the motors for the withdrawal and feed systems, a feedback process control and data acquisition system, with power control for the induction heater and safety interlocks for water, argon and vacuum lines. Government furnished equipment (vacuum pumps, induction heating tank circuit assembly and induction heater power supply) will be made available at WPAFB to be interfaced with the D.S. Unit at delivery. Items to be delivered to Wright Lab, WPAFB OH. This solicitation will be issued approx 97 Feb 07. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered. No tel requests. Only written or faxed requests received directly from the requestor are acceptable. Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Robin Fulmer, Contract Specialist, 937-257-5197 X4323. An Ombudsman has been established for this acquisition. The only purpose of the Ombudsman is to receive and communicate serious concerns from potential offerors when an offeror prefers not to use established channels to communicate his/her concern during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. Potential offerors should use established channels to request information, pose questions, and voice concerns before resorting to use of the Ombudsman. Potential offerors are invited to contact ASC's Ombudsman, Mr Daniel L. Kugel, ASC/SY, Bldg 52, 2475 K Street, Suite 1, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7642, at (937) 255-3855, E-Mail kugeldl@sy.wpafb.af.mil, with serious concerns only. (0021)

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