Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Air Force Test Center (AFTC/PZI) at Arnold Air Force Base (AFB), Tennessee, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify capable sources for Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies. This is a brand name requirement for BASCO cooler parts, which must be made in the United States. Responses are due by May 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the design, manufacture, and verification of 5 VKF Plant Interstage Cooler Bundle Assemblies for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). The contractor will supply all tubes, supports, and fins, with installation performed by the Government.
Two types of cooler construction are specified:
- 4-pass triple inlet/outlet waterflow fin tube construction for first stage (X11, X12, X13, X14) and second stage (X21, X22) coolers.
- 2-pass single inlet/outlet waterflow shell and tube construction for X71, X81, and X91 coolers.
Performance standards require each bundle to operate at capacity with up to 20% of tubes plugged and meet or exceed performance requirements outlined in Appendix B. Materials must withstand specific cooling water properties. Special requirements include construction without sharp edges, fitting existing envelopes, proper rigging points, interfacing with existing drains/flex hoses, and prohibition of lead or asbestos materials. Assemblies must be marked with manufacturer details and cleaned post-installation. Verification includes engineering analysis, pressure tests (vacuum for X11-X22, hydro for X71-X91), fabrication inspection, and packaging for long-term outside storage. Detailed submittals are required per Appendix C.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Informational Purposes Only, Not a Request for Quote)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 21, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 18, 2026
Submission Details
Interested sources should provide:
- Company name, address, telephone number, and point of contact email.
- System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number.
- Authorization letter to sell BASCO cooler parts.
- Preliminary estimate and lead time.
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government. No funds are available for response preparation, and the Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement.