Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate, Aerospace Propulsion Division (AFRL/PRA), is seeking potential sources that are capable of flight testing the Air Force Hypersonic Technology (HyTech) scramjet engine. The objective of the EFSEFD program is to flight test the HyTech scramjet engine using endothermic hydrocarbon fuel accelerating a vehicle from boost (approximately Mach 4.5) to Mach 6.5 to 7+. Flight vehicles and engines are not expected to be recovered or reused. Each flight vehicle will use a single HyTech engine. This effort will enable assessment of the HyTech scramjet engine?s performance, operability, and future military utility for atmospheric and access to space missions. Ultimately, five (5) powered flights are envisioned to expand the flight envelope. The first two (2) flights will be within the heart of the flight envelope to demonstrate nominal engine operability and performance with engine operation terminated after reaching Mach 6.5 to 7. Subsequent flights will incrementally expand the envelope to demonstrate maximum Mach and maximum cruise. The flight program will also include separation of the integrated booster/research vehicle from the launch aircraft and separation of the research vehicle from the booster. First flight is anticipated in fiscal year 2006 or 2007. This effort will reduce risk for the NASA/AFRL X-43C flight project. An engine ground-test program will identify potential engine improvements to the HyTech scramjet to enhance operability of the flight test engines. The program includes design (including multidisciplinary design optimization) and fabrication for the flight vehicles, the HyTech engines, booster modification, booster/flight vehicle integration, and all flight-testing. This program will build upon the Affordable Rapid Response Missile Demonstrator (ARRMD) heritage wave rider configuration. This effort will develop and demonstrate an Enhanced Operability Engine (EOE) and complete Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of the flight vehicle. The flight engine design will be finalized and a Flight Clearance Engine (FCE) will be demonstrated. Vehicle Critical Design Review (CDR) will be accomplished. Flight vehicles will be fabricated and tested. The total program duration is expected to be 60 months including reporting. The purpose of this synopsis is to provide the AF technical team with the ability to determine the capabilities of potential respondents. If you believe you have the capability as a prime contractor (subcontractors need not respond) to meet the Government?s requirements, respond no later than 15 days after publication of the sources sought synopsis. Any prime contractor interested in this announcement must respond with a complete capability/qualifications package describing the company?s technical expertise, experience, and facilities to accomplish the work described above. Responses shall be submitted in writing and no more than 25 pages in length (8.5?x 11? paper). Firms responding to this announcement should indicate their business size, particularly if they occupy one or more of the following categories; socially and economically disadvantaged business; a woman-owned business, minority institution; or foreign-owned/foreign-controlled business and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort. The general definition to be used to determine whether or not your firm is small is as follow: ?Small business concern" means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR Part 121 (see FAR 19.102). "Concern" means any business entity organized for profit (even if its ownership is in the hands of a nonprofit entity) with a place of business located in the United States and which makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes and/or use of American products, material and/or labor, etc. NAICS Code 541710 applies. The AF reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses hereto. Foreign firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting POC cited above before deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign firms should be aware that restrictions may apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition. All responses to this synopsis shall include their assigned Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. Responses should be sent to the Contracting point of contact. Direct contractual questions to the Contracting point of contact identified in the announcement (email [email protected]). Technical questions may be directed to Mr. Albert Boudreau, AFRL/PRA, (937) 255-1237, email of [email protected].

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