Intent to Sole Source Delta H High-Temperature Dual Chamber Furnace (Delta H)

1. General Information

• Document Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
• Notice/Reference Number: 202607270001
• Posted Date: 1 Sept 2026
• Response Date: September 7, 2026, by 4:00 PM PDT
• NAICS Code: 333994 – Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing
• Product Service Code (PSC): 4430 – Industrial Furnaces, Kilns, Lehrs, and Ovens
• Contracting Office: Air Force Test Center, Installation Contracting Division (AFTC/PZIOB), Edwards AFB, CA 93524
• Subject: Notice of Intent to Sole Source Delta H Defender Series Dual Chamber Aerospace Heat Treating Furnace System

2. Description of Requirement

The 412th Maintenance Squadron (412 MXS/MXMF) at Edwards AFB, CA, has a critical requirement for a dual-chamber, high-temperature, inert-atmosphere furnace system. This acquisition is prompted by the addition of new alloys requiring pre- and post-heat treatment after welding, as well as the implementation of new steel alloys in aircraft and engine components.

The Government intends to solicit and negotiate a sole-source contract for this equipment under the authority of RFO 12.102(a) (restricting competition to a single source for simplified acquisitions).

The designated equipment is:

• Manufacturer: Delta H Technologies, LLC.
• Model: DEF-DC-RH-241236/2000-RH-241636/2000-SR (Delta H Defender Series Dual Chamber Aerospace Heat Treating Furnace System)
• Authorized Federal Distributor: Phillips Corporation, Federal Division (identified by the OEM as the sole authorized distributor of this product to the United States Federal Government)

3. Comprehensive Technical Specifications

To satisfy the requirements of RFO 12.202(a) and ensure transparency, the technical specifications and components of the equipment being procured are detailed below:

A. Performance and Electrical Parameters

• Temperature Range: 500°F to 2,000°F
• Electrical Requirements: 480V, 3-Phase, 60 Hz, 100 Amps, 51 kW
• Overall Equipment Dimensions: 90” High x 66” Wide x 102” Long
• Total Approximate Weight: 5,500 lbs
• Inert Atmosphere: Gas-tight chambers with independent gas flow control and flow alarms.
• Structural Features: Oxidation-resistant lining, heavy-duty casters, and temperature-recording thermocouples.
• Quench System: Roll-away oil quench tank with a 16" high part capacity.

B. Chamber Specifications

The system consists of two independently operated chambers with the following dimensions and characteristics:

1. Upper Chamber (Work Volume: 24" W x 12" H x 36" D):

• Certified Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) Work Volume.
• Radiant Heat Chamber rated to 2,000°F.
• Meets Class 3 standards (±15∘F uniformity across the range of 1,200°F to 2,000°F).
• Gas-tight design with independent gas flow control and flow alarm.

1. Lower Chamber (Work Volume: 24" W x 16" H x 36" D):

• Certified Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) Work Volume.
• Radiant Heat Chamber rated to 2,000°F.
• Meets Class 3 standards (±15∘F uniformity across the range of 1,200°F to 2,000°F).
• Gas-tight design with independent gas flow control and flow alarm.

C. Control, Instrumentation, and Monitoring Systems

• Primary Controller: Eurotherm programmable dual recorder/controller for independent program operations (supporting set-point or programmable profile modes).
• Process Recorder: Digital Paperless Process Recorder equipped with tamper-proof Batch Reporting and AMS2750 Process Monitoring Software. The recorder is configured to track thermocouple usage, TUS, System Accuracy Tests (SAT), and calibration intervals.
• Safety Controls: High-limit safety interlocks to ensure safe operation, facility safety, and product protection.
• Instrumentation Type: Type C Instrumentation, recording TUS High & Low locations, Air Control Temperature, and independent Quench Temperature.
• Test Ports:
• One dedicated, fixed SAT test port located adjacent to the control thermocouples.
• Nine designed-in TUS test ports built directly into the furnace structure for rapid TUS/SAT execution.

D. Sensors, Probes, and Consumables (3-Year Support Package)

• Control/Monitoring Probes: All necessary Inconel-sheathed, non-expendable Type K thermocouple probes for both 2,000°F chambers, including five spare probes. Probes must feature individual serial numbers and large tags with NIST-traceable certificates to document installation/replacement dates and usage for compliance with TO 1-1A-9 and AMS2750H.
• SAT Thermocouples (Year 1): One-year supply of Type N thermocouples with NIST calibration certificates. Includes nine TUS probe thermocouples and a wire harness to connect to the Government-supplied super-systems TUS Recorder.
• 3-Year Operational Thermocouples (Type K): Includes annual replacement sets, spares, and a dedicated TUS probe set with wire harness.
• 3-Year SAT Thermocouples (Type N): Includes Type N thermocouples with connector cables conforming to AMS2750 requirements (12 thermocouples for quarterly replacement cycles plus two spares).

E. Upgrades, Services, and Shipping

• 1 each – DEF-UPGRADE-DUAL: Upgrade Kit and Dual Chamber Services ensuring full compliance to SAE-AMS2750 and Boeing BAC5621 standards.
• 1 each – DEF-AQDTF: Automated Quench Delay Timer Function.
• 1 each – DEF-STARTUP: Four (4) days of on-site qualifying, calibration, and training services.
• 1 each – IUID_TA: Item Unique Identification (IUID) Tag Plate in compliance with MIL-STD-130x.
• 1 each – Freight Service: Inside delivery to Edwards AFB, CA.
• Warranty: Comprehensive two-year manufacturer warranty.
• Period of Performance / Delivery: 10–12 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO).

4. Justification for Single Source

The 412 MXS/MXMF currently operates Delta H Tool Master Furnaces and associated calibration equipment. This specific acquisition of the Delta H Defender Series Dual Chamber Furnace is justified by the following operational parameters:

• Interoperability & Training: The existing shop utilizes Eurotherm Nanodac controllers and current Delta H calibration accessories. Acquiring this system ensures seamless integration and eliminates the need for additional operator training or the acquisition of separate, proprietary testing and calibration hardware.
• Proprietary Systems: Market research indicates that alternative manufacturers utilize proprietary control systems that do not interface with the current Delta H system architecture or Eurotherm Nanodac controllers, making competitive options technically non-viable without costly infrastructure duplication.
• Exclusivity: Delta H Technologies, LLC. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The OEM has formally established Phillips Corporation, Federal Division, as the sole and exclusive distributor of Delta H Furnaces and Ovens to all United States Government facilities.

5. Invitation for Capability Statements

This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals or a solicitation for offers. However, in accordance with RFO requirements, the Government will consider capability statements from interested parties.

Any alternative vendor or manufacturer who believes they can meet the exact technical, interoperability, and calibration requirements (without requiring the government to purchase new calibration accessories, duplicate software, or conduct additional technical training) is invited to submit a capability statement.

Responses must include the following information:

1. Company Profile: Company Name, CAGE Code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Point of Contact (POC) information.
2. Socioeconomic Status: Business size status under the applicable NAICS code (333994).
3. Alternative Product Details (if applicable): Comprehensive technical data demonstrating how the proposed alternative product matches the exact physical dimensions, electrical requirements, operating temperatures, and calibration requirements of the Delta H system, including proof of seamless interoperability with current Eurotherm Nanodac controllers and existing Delta H calibration accessories.
4. Authorization Proof: Proof of authorized reseller status/distribution rights from Delta H Technologies, LLC., or explicit documentation showing capability to support Delta H equipment.

Submission Instructions:

All capability statements and inquiries must be submitted electronically via email to the following points of contact:

• Primary Contact: Eric Romero (eric.romero.11@us.af.mil)
• Secondary Contact: Elsa Ortiz Aguilar (elsa.ortiz_aguilar@us.af.mil)

Submission Deadline: No later than 4:00 PM PDT on September 7, 2026.

6. Government Discretion

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.