Automated Fiber Placement Thermoplastic Processing Head

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.  THIS IS NOT A FORMAL REQUEST FOR QUOTE/PROPOSAL. The Weapons and Energetics Department of Naval Air Weapons Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake intends to procure a Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head on a sole source basis in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.103-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.  The intended source is Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Albany, Inc.  This effort will provide a TPFP Head fully compatible with a currently installed Trelleborg XTS-400 AFP system and interchangeable with the currently configured thermoset processing head.  The TPFP head will enable the fabrication of composite parts having TP resins, adding to current capability to process thermoset resins.  More details can be found in the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any firm believing it can fulfill the requirement identified above is encouraged to submit a written response to be received at the Contracting Office no later than the due date contained in this notice, which shall be considered by the agency.  Interested parties are also encouraged to review and provide comments or recommendations regarding the draft PWS as part of their response.  The written response shall reference solicitation number contained in this notice and provide a capability statement that clearly indicates the firm’s experience, assets, background, and ability to perform the required work without compromising the quality, accuracy, reliability, and schedule. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to identify if any other companies can meet the agency’s requirements.  In your response, please include Company Size (Small or Large business according to the NAICS and size standard listed).  If your company is a Small Business, specify if your company is or is not each of the following: (a) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); (b) HUBZone Small Business; (c) 8(a) Concern; (d) Woman-Owned Small Business; (e) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business. A Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 (FCI Self) is anticipated for this requirement.  If you disagree with the anticipated CMMC Level, please provide a rationale, and the recommended CMMC Level.