Industrial Vacuums

This is a Sources Sought (SS) issued by the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Armaments Center (AC), Munitions Engineering & Technology Center (METC) and Aeroballistics Division. This effort is for information to plan a potential acquisition strategy and contract for a vacuum system. The effort supports a wind tunnel facility in building 266. Responders to this SS notice are asked to provide statements with the following information related to meeting requirements:​

1. A narrative explaining the company’s background, and past/current experience relevant to furnishing and installing any of the aforementioned systems that can create exit conditions of -14.5 PSI (~10 torr or less, 0.1PSIA) for 9-inch test section wind tunnel. There is 120,000 gallons of air storage (rated 190Psi) available to drive the system. Compressors of the current wind tunnel facility operate at no more than 350 PSI.


2. For a Vacuum System, an estimated 2,480 cubic feet, vacuum rated storage tank is required. The tank will need to withstand vacuum conditions internally, and barometric conditions externally. The pumps for this system should be able to evacuate the tank in about 30~45 minutes.


3. The Vacuum Blowers need to minimize pressure build up in the tank over a 40 second runtime (objective runtime, 20 second threshold).


4. The system must be able to withstand temperatures as high as a) the outlet temperature of the gas for -14.5 PSI (.01 PSIA) case will be 800 0°F and b) the outlet temperature of the gas for -13.0 PSI (1.8 PSIA) case will be 620°F.


5. Ability to provide training on maintenance, safety, and other handling requirements of the system.

Request that all responses included the following information:

1. Filly Company Name (Legal Entity):


2. Cage Code:


3. Website (if applicable):


4. Contact Information:


5. Business Size Status.