Inactive
Notice ID:N68335-21-R-0123
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Lakehurst, NJ intends to solicit, negotiate, and award a firm fixed-price purchase order, on a sole source basis to Mersen USA Newburyport-MA L...
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Lakehurst, NJ intends to solicit, negotiate, and award a firm fixed-price purchase order, on a sole source basis to Mersen USA Newburyport-MA L.L.C., located in Newburyport, MA, for two disconnect switches, one single-pole double-throw (SPDT) and one six-pole double-throw (6PDT). Mersen will provide the disconnect switches in support of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). EMALS is a unique, pulsed-power application that utilizes high voltages/currents to launch aircraft. Disconnect switches would be located in a Direct Current (DC) portion of the EMALS power architecture, and subjected to pulses of 2200VDC/2200A electricity, with the potential for even higher fault currents. No existing COTS disconnect switches were identified that meet EMALS requirements for several reasons: (1) Most disconnect switches are rated for continuous power, but EMALS only provides power when pulsing (3 sec) to launch an aircraft. (2) Most switches are rated for Alternating Current (AC) since power distribution networks primarily use AC; EMALS requires DC switches. (3) COTS switches are only rated for approximately 1500V/1600A, which does not meet EMALS requirements. (4) Many COTS switches are "load break" switches, that is, they can be actuated/switched while power is flowing through them; however, since EMALS power is pulsed (not continuous), switches will only be actuated while under no electrical load. Due to the uniqueness of the EMALS application, a unique disconnect switch is required. Mersen was the only company found that can produce a modified COTS/custom switch that meets EMALS requirements. The Government does not own the data rights and a competitive drawing package for this effort is not available. This notification is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responses received within fifteen (15) days after the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received as a result of the notice of intent will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation will be available for this procurement.