Opportunity
SAM #N6893626SIMACQD550000E5500000289
Sole Source Procurement of Spherical Aluminum Powder from Valimet, Inc.
Buyer
Naval Air Warfare Center
Posted
August 11, 2026
Respond By
August 17, 2026
Identifier
N6893626SIMACQD550000E5500000289
NAICS
325180, 332117
This procurement opportunity is issued by the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake (Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, NAVAIR NAWC WD): - Buyer: Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake - OEM Highlight: Valimet, Inc. is the sole manufacturer specified - Product Requested: - 1,000 lbs of Spherical Aluminum Powder - Direct replacement part to maintain the established physical baseline of current formulations - Only Valimet, Inc.'s proprietary manufacturing process meets the highly specialized material characteristics required - Unique/Notable Requirements: - No substitutes or alternative manufacturers are acceptable due to compatibility and testing concerns - Contractors must be certified through Defense Logistics Information Services (DLIS) to access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Export Controlled Information - Registration in SAM.gov is required for participation
Description
THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE, NOT A REQUEST FOR A QUOTE (RFQ). A RFQ WILL NOT BE ISSUED AND QUOTES WILL NOT BE REQUESTED.
In accordance with FAR 6.103.1, the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, intends to award a firm fixed price contract on a sole source basis for:
Spherical Aluminum Powder 1,000lbs.
To Valimet, Inc. 431 Sperry Road Stockton Road 95206.
Valimet Inc.’s Spherical Aluminum Powder is a direct replacement part required to maintain the current formulation’s established physical baseline, as using any other manufacturer's powder would alter the propellant’s mechanical properties—rendering it structurally incompatible with existing mission parameters—and would require establishing an entirely new baseline, resulting in prohibitive testing costs, critical schedule delays, and the inability to replicate the highly specialized material characteristics achieved only through Valimet's proprietary manufacturing processes.
THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES; no solicitation or RFQ will be forthcoming. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement no later than 8AM PST 08/17/2026. The written response shall reference solicitation number N6893626SIMACQD550000E5500000289 and must provide a clear and concise capability statement to show the ability to perform the required work without compromising the quality, accuracy, reliability and schedule. Written responses to this notice shall be submitted by email: Andrea.m.farrell7.civ@us.navy.mil
All vendors must be registered at https://sam.gov/ prior to submitting quotes. It is recommended that all interested parties be aware that processing this additional information may take at least 10-15 days and are proactive in maintaining the SAM registrations in an 'Active' status as the government cannot award an entity without an 'Active' SAM registration.
Contractors must be certified through Defense Logistics Information Services (DLIS) in order to access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Export Controlled Information. Access to CUI is limited, to a single point of contact (POC) per CAGE code, who is listed as the Data Custodian on the DD 2345 and approved by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The DD 2345 must be approved prior to requesting access to CUI in SAM.gov. Contractors are responsible for coordinating with their CAGE code’s Data Custodian POC to request access to CUI. For additional information, visit the DLA website for the Joint Certification Program: https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/Services/JCP/