High Speed Spindle

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding a high-speed spindle opportunity.

• Machine Use: The spindle will drive a custom high-speed test machine for evaluating turbine engine components.
• Mounting: The current test configuration uses an integrated mount for a 150mm outer diameter cartridge.
• Tooling: The spindle will be coupled to the test machine using a custom flexible coupling.
• Ancillary Systems: High-frequency spindles require a Variable Speed Drive and Oil Mist System, as addressed in the SOW.
• Duty-Free Import: Duty-free entry is applicable and will be handled through the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). This process is only applicable to the awarded contractor.

This Q&A document clarifies technical requirements and import processes. Bidders should review these responses to ensure their proposals accurately address the government's needs, particularly regarding the spindle's application, mounting, coupling, required ancillary systems, and duty-free import procedures.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA860126Q0037) is for the procurement of "High Speed Spindle" with a Product Service Code of 6640. The acquisition is unrestricted.

• The primary deliverable is a "High Speed Spindle."

• Detailed requirements are expected to be found in Section J, Attachment (1) Statement of Work.

• The pricing arrangement is Firm Fixed Price.

• The contract type is not explicitly stated but implied to be Firm Fixed Price based on the "Pricing Arrangement" noted.

• Period of Performance: Delivery is scheduled for 26 weeks from the Date of Award.

• Offer Due Date: 15 May 2026, 01:00 PM.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Evaluation (Acceptable/Unacceptable) and Price (determination of fair and reasonable price). The offer with the lowest evaluated price among acceptable offers will be selected.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• Mandatory Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 Assessment is required for all offerors to be eligible for contract award.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses, including those related to electronic submission of payment requests (WAWF), cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), and item unique identification.

• Attachment 1 is the Statement of Work (SOW) dated 31MAR2026, with a reference date of 22 Apr 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure a high-speed spindle system for the Air Force Institute of Technology to perform engine-relevant test conditions for modified turbine components. This system will enable testing under various conditions including speed, thrust, load, heat flux, lubrication, and air bypass.

The spindle drive system shall include:

• 4 High Speed Spindle motors

• 2 High frequency speed control drives

• 2 Lubrication systems for spindle motors

• 2 Cooling systems (if applicable)

• 2 Full kits of additional cables, hoses, fittings, connectors, and tools for a fully operational system

• Assembly/Operation manuals

• High Speed Spindle Motor: Fully variable 15,000-90,000 RPM, 3.5kW minimum power, HJND-50 or smooth 14mm shaft interface, sensor/encoder feedback, continuous duty cycle, 150mm outside diameter, capable of stand-alone refurbish/replacement.

• High Frequency Speed Control Drive: Fully variable 15,000-90,000 RPM, Closed Loop Speed Control, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, continuous duty cycle, Discrete Digital/Analog I/O for communication.

• Lubrication System: Air/oil mist method, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, 150psi max air supply, includes air/oil filtration, Discrete I/O for communication.

• Cooling System (if applicable): Suitable for continuous spindle operation, 240/480V Single/Three phase 60Hz power, Discrete I/O for communication.

• Lead Time: No later than 26 weeks after contract approval.

• Delivery Location: Air Force Institute of Technology, AFIT/ENY, 2950 Hobson Way, WPAFB, OH 45433.

• Training: Not required.

• Installation: Not required.

• Warranty: 1 year after receipt of delivery.

• Delivery Procedures: Commercial vehicles larger than a large pick-up truck require inspection at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Commercial Vehicle Delivery Gate (CVDG) prior to entering the installation. Specific procedures for vehicle inspection, exemptions, and resealing are detailed.

• Invoice and Payment: 100% payment after delivery, upon submission of a properly prepared invoice and after final inspection and acceptance. Payment will be processed through Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3_10-Offeror_Reps_and_Certs.pdf", contains several provisions related to Offeror Representations and Certifications that bidders must complete. These provisions are crucial for determining eligibility and compliance with federal contracting requirements.

• FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021): Requires offerors to either have completed annual representations and certifications electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) or to complete specific paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision. It clarifies that changes in SAM do not automatically update representations in an offer, and offerors must verify their SAM information is current, accurate, and applicable.
• FAR 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (FEB 2016): Requires corporations to represent whether they have unpaid Federal tax liability or a felony conviction under Federal law within the preceding 24 months. The government will not enter into a contract with corporations that meet certain criteria related to these issues.
• FAR 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (FEB 1999): Requires offerors to represent their participation in previous contracts subject to the Equal Opportunity clause and whether they have filed all required compliance reports.
• FAR 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (APR 1984): Requires offerors to represent whether they have developed and have on file affirmative action programs as required by the Secretary of Labor, or if they have not previously had contracts subject to these requirements.

Bidders must carefully review and complete these representations and certifications accurately. Failure to do so may impact their ability to be considered for award. The document outlines specific requirements regarding business size standards, tax liabilities, felony convictions, and affirmative action compliance, which are critical for proposal submission and evaluation.