SAM #N6893626Q5144

Sole Source Procurement of Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head for XTS-400 AFP System

This notice announces a sole source procurement by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) at China Lake for a Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head. - Agency: Department of the Navy, NAVAIR, NAWCWD China Lake - Sole source vendor: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Albany, Inc. - Product: Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head - Must be fully compatible (mechanically, electrically, and software) with the Trelleborg XTS-400 Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) system - Must be interchangeable with the existing thermoset processing head - Purpose: To enable fabrication of composite parts using thermoplastic resins, expanding current manufacturing capabilities - Justification: Trelleborg is the OEM and only source with required technical expertise for support and maintenance - No specific part number or quantity provided - No competing vendors identified due to sole source justification

Commercial Opportunity: - Potential for future related procurements or upgrades to AFP systems - Opportunity for OEMs specializing in advanced composite manufacturing equipment to monitor for similar requirements

Description

This intent to procure via sole source notice is being posted in accordance with RFO FAR 5.101(c)(4)(vii). 

After conducting market research, Weapons and Energetics Department of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake intends to procure a Thermoplastic Fiber Placement (TPFP) Head on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 from 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.  

Robotics such as this TPFP Head require fully compatible hardware and software when accessories parts are added to expand capability.  Full compatibility means the accessory has complete mechanical, electrical, and software compatibility with the main AFP platform.  Trelleborg is the original designer of the XTS-400 AFP and the only source with the requisite knowledge, experience, and technical expertise capable of providing a TPFP Head accessory that is fully compatible with the existing system.  Use of non-native accessories would discontinue required support and maintenance of the XTS-400 AFP system.  

A sources sought was posted for this requirement on 4 June 2026 and closed 22 June 2026.  The sources sought response date has passed and a sole source rationale has been approved.  

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