PIGA FLOAT NEXT GEN

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

Minuteman III Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer (PIGA) Float NSN:  1420-01-386-7795 AH (9043520-010) Float Assembly

This request is an announcement for information/market research for planning purposes.  The synopsis does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation for bid nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.

1.  SUBJECT:  Sources sought for the repair of the float assembly used in the Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer (PIGA) instrument for the Minuteman III guidance system.  This repair supports the AFNWC/NIM, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which is responsible for the ICBM missile guidance set.
2. DESCRIPTION: The PIGA Float consists of parts made of I400 Beryllium which is hazardous and requires specialized equipment, handling procedures and stringent safety requirements. Some of the Beryllium components are coated with aluminum oxide using a plasma powder spray and finished tolerances within millionths of an inch.  Every part of the float requires precision machining, a tremendous amount of attention to detail and specialized skills to be successfully produced. Within the PIGA Float Assembly is the Gas Bearing Wheel, the critical component of the float assembly and the heart of the PIGA. The Gas Bearing Wheel assembly is the size of a thimble yet its manufacturer requires more than 200 critical machining operations and ultra-precise mechanical measurements. Pyroceram glass and ferrite ceramic material are also used in the PIGA float. These materials are very fragile and also require unique manufacturing and finishing processes.  In addition to the repair of the PIGA floats, this effort includes maintaining peculiar support equipment which is Government Furnished Property (GFP) as necessary.

To become a qualified source the entity must have access to I400 Beryllium, pyroceram, Astro lube and MN60L ferrite material to demonstrate capabilities to produce the PIGA Floats.  The Air Force has a limited amount of I400 Beryllium and cannot provide this material to vendors for testing and qualifications purposes.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP).  Firms responding to this announcement should include company name, cage code, point of contact, address and indicate if they are a small business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUB Zone small business, small disadvantaged business or women-owned small business. Potential offerors should submit a Statement of Capacity (SOC) that addresses the offerors ability to provide the above requested unit.  The government reserves the right to set aside any subsequent acquisition based upon known sources and/or responses to this synopsis.

SOCs may be submitted by email: kimberly.gibson.7@us.af.mil or jeremy.bruening@us.af.mil. Responses must be received not later than 9 June 2025 at the close of business (COB) 3:30 pm MST.  Identify your response with the corresponding Program Title: Sources Sought:  PIGA Float

The distribution of the PWS and related documents is limited to contractors with a DD2345 certified by the Defense Logistics Information Service, Joint Certification Program (1-877-352-2255) and who have a legitimate business purpose. As such, the PWS and related documents cannot be provided to a contractor without a certification. Contractors who would like to become certified can find the form and instructions at:

https://public.logisticsinformationservice.dla.mil/PublicHome/jcp/default.aspx.

Interested parties are advised that certification of a DD2345 may take time, so completion and submission of that form as soon as possible is highly recommend