Attachment 2 SON_U2 Intake Plugs_Final.pdf

STATEMENT OF NEED

FOR

U-2 Aircraft Engine Intake Plugs

A. BACKGROUND:

To meet its mission, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing requires the procurement of 31 sets (62 individual plugs) of new engine intake plugs for Lockheed Martin U-2 aircraft to mitigate a critical safety-of-flight risk. The engine inlet is a direct and vulnerable pathway to the U-2's engine. The existing inventory of engine intake plugs is severely deteriorated due to age and environmental exposure, leaving the material brittle and subject to dry rot.

This degradation presents an unacceptable, two-fold hazard. First, the plugs may fail to prevent foreign object debris (FOD) from entering the engine, leading to costly damage. More critically, the plugs themselves are so fragile that they risk disintegrating upon engine start. Ingestion of the plug material would likely cause catastrophic engine failure, resulting in the potential loss of the aircraft and endangering the pilot's life. This procurement is a mission-critical necessity.

B. REQUIREMENT:

The contractor shall be responsible for delivering 31 sets of new engine intake plugs (a total of

62 individual plugs) for the Lockheed Martin U-2 aircraft fleet which meet the specifications outlined below:

Technical Specifications

All delivered items shall meet or exceed the following salient characteristics:

Characteristic Specification

Configuration Each set shall consist of two (2) individual plugs, manufactured as a mirrored pair to ensure a precise fit for the port and starboard engine inlets.

Core

Construction

Plugs must be constructed of a soft, compressible, form-fitting foam core that creates a complete seal of the engine inlet without damaging the airframe.

Exterior Fabric The foam core must be fully upholstered in a heavy-duty, waterproof, and UV-resistant fabric to prevent material degradation from operational and environmental exposure.

Safety Feature Each individual plug must include a high-visibility, heavy-duty "Remove Before

Flight" streamer, securely attached.

Minimum

Service Life

The final product must be manufactured to provide a minimum service life of 7-10 years under standard operational conditions. In case of operational failure, the contractor shall provide replacement parts free of charge.

C. DELIVERY

The location of the delivery will be 19488 Edison Dr. Bldg. 1076, Beale AFB CA, 95903.

1. Delivery Coordination

• The contractor shall coordinate the delivery date and time with the designated

Government Point of Contact (POC) no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the planned delivery date. The POC is identified in the "Inspection and Acceptance" section of the contract.

2. Delivery Deadline

• The complete order of thirty-one (31) sets shall be delivered in full no later than sixty

(60) calendar days after the date of contract award. All deliveries must occur during the operational hours specified below.

D. LOCATION & HOURS OF OPERATION.

The 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s standard shipment receiving hours are Monday–Friday

0800-1500 PST. The following Federal holidays are observed:

E. BASE ACCESS PROCEDURES.

The contractor shall adhere to the following procedures for all deliveries to Beale AFB:

• Submit Entry Authorization List (EAL): A completed EAL must be submitted to the

Government POC at least 14 days prior to delivery for all personnel.

• Provide Valid Identification: All personnel must present either a REAL ID or two (2) other forms of valid identification upon arrival.

• Use Designated Entry Point: All vehicles must enter through the Wheatland Gate.

• Consent to Inspection: All vehicles and personnel are subject to inspection by base security forces.

F. TRAFFIC LAWS.

The contractor and their employees shall comply with all installation traffic regulations.

G. CELLULAR PHONE OPERATION POLICY.

The contractor shall comply with local base policies regarding cellular phone operation.