Request for Information 27R5004 - CRRC Outboard Motors.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

15 October 2026

Tracking No. FA8629-27-R-5004

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) Outboard Motors

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing a CRRC Outboard Motor (OE). The current Guardian Angel (GA) weapon system relies on CRRC Outboard Motors that are nearing the end of their service life and no longer fully meet the evolving requirements of the Personnel Recover (PR) mission. The obsolescence of the current motor fleet restricts operational capabilities and increases mission risk. Specifically, the inability to operate reliably in rough seas limits the ability to conduct PR missions in certain geographic locations and weather conditions. The current program lacks a viable replacement solution that addresses these deficiencies, restores the weapon system’s full operational capability, and provides GA personnel with a reliable and effective CRRC-system for all operational environments. Furthermore, the decreased horsepower and increased unit weight of modern potential replacement EPA compliant 4-stroke Outboard Motors (OE) reduce operational capability and aerial delivery mission flexibility.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

The current CRRC outboard motor fleet is approaching the end of its service life, with the existing 40HP motors no longer in production. These motors are uniquely suited for current operations due to their ability to be air-dropped, which is a critical capability for rapid insertion and recovery in austere environments. This obsolescence limits the operational readiness of CRRC-systems, increases the risk of mission failure during time-sensitive PR operations, and increases operational costs due to maintenance downtime, parts sourcing challenges, and the potential need to adapt existing equipment and tactics to accommodate larger/heavier motors.

4. REQUIREMENT

The System Program Office (SPO) requirement is to procure a next-generation CRRC boat OE that enhances the operational capabilities of GA personnel during PR missions. This system will address the obsolescence of the current motor fleet and the limitations of EPA/EU restricted designs. The next-generation system must improve upon the current CRRC OE by providing increased speed (power), maneuverability, RELIABILITY, and the ability to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions, while maintaining or improving upon the current system's deployment methods. Further analysis will be conducted to validate integration, lifecycle costs, compatibility with existing GA equipment and deployment methods, and suitability for operations in various environmental conditions (e.g., rough seas, cold weather, aerial delivery shock).

a. Initial Operational Capability (IOC):

2x Outboard Motors/Motors for User Assessment at 88 Test & Evaluation Squadron (TES)

b. Full Operational Capability (FOC):

91x CRRC Outboard Motors/Motors

c. Definitions:

(1) KPP: Key Performance Parameter; capability crucial to the operational utility or operational suitability of a solution.

(2) KSA: Key System Attribute; Capability that is important to achieve for operational utility or operational suitability.

(3) (T): Threshold performance value (required to be met initially by selected object fielded).

(4) (O): Objective performance value (desired final equipment performance parameters if technically feasible and determined to be cost effective).

d. Key Performance Parameters Outboard Motor:

Propulsion Power: The E-CRRC system (vessel & OE) will clearly exceed present CRRC system (4.7-meter boat & 40HP OE) velocity, operational load carrying capacity, and seaworthiness in like

(T) and (O) load configurations and in like sea-states (KPP 6.1.1).

Note:

1) Ideally tested in sea-state 3-4.

2) Present OE produces advertised 40HP with a propeller lower unit.

3) Ideal OE horsepower will be 55 HP or above with a propeller lower unit.

4) KPP 6.1.1 Reads “Minimum Payload Capacity: The (Enhanced) E-CRRC shall be able to transport four

Operators, one Littered Patient, and 400 lbs. of CRRC operational equipment, corresponding to a minimum payload of 2,029 lbs. (T). The CRRC shall be able to transport six Operators, one Litter Patient, and 400 lbs.

of operational equipment, corresponding to a minimum payload of 2,707 lbs (O).

1) This Payload does not include the weight of the Outboard Motor (OE). It does include the weight of other CRRC operational equipment including fuel (40 gal), fuel bladders/tanks, lines, paddles, foot pumps, and 2x compressed air tanks & hoses for CRRC inflation (400 lbs.).

2) Threshold operational equipment weight calculations: (40 gallons OE fuel in bladders = 292 lbs, 2x 80 cu/ft compressed air tanks = 80 lbs, 6x paddles = 12 lbs, 2x foot pumps = 12 lbs; Total 396 lbs)

3) Personnel planning load weights: Litter patient, uniform, and litter = 269 lbs. Full “approach march” mission Operator = 340 lbs.

4) Payload requirements will be able to be executed in Sea State 3 - "Slight" sea conditions (Significant Wave Height: 1.6 to 4.1 feet), which is most generated by a sustained Beaufort Force 3-4 winds. Beaufort Force 4 (Moderate Breeze) wind; associated wind speed: Typically, 7 to 16 knots (8 to 18 mph). Conditions at Sea:

Large, distinct wavelets begin to form. The wave crests start to break, producing scattered whitecaps (white foam crests) across the water.”

(1) Survivability: The motor while mounted to a CRRC and configured in RAM-B, T-DUCK, Rubber-duck, or Combat Ready Insertion Barrel (CRIB), shall operate after impact with the water from being air deployed from fixed and rotary wing platforms. (T=O)

(2) Operators Required: The motor shall be able to be dewatered, started, and operated/steered by

1 Operator. (T=O)

Note: “Dewatering” may be a demonstrated “manual” operation; including pulling plugs, and flushing carburetor bowl (or similar), on-site/in the field, and must be able to be accomplished in 10 minutes, or less, on-transom of vessel.

(3) Fuel: The motor shall operate on mixed-gasoline (2-Stroke) fuel. (T) In addition to 2-stroke mixed gas, the motor shall operate on Diesel and Jet Fuel (heavy-fuels) without requiring modification to the motor. (O)

(4) Motor Start: If the motor has a primary electric start up system, the motor shall also have a manual backup starting method. (For example, a rope that can be manually re-routed in the event the primary start system fails.) (T=O)

(5) Storage Temperature: The motor shall start within 60 seconds and run with sufficient power to meet KPP 6.2.1 after storage in air temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 120 degrees F. (T=O)

6.2.1 Propulsion Power: The E-CRRC system (vessel & OE) will clearly exceed present CRRC system (4.7 meter boat & 40HP OE) velocity, operational load carrying capacity, and seaworthiness in like (T) and (O) load configurations and in like sea-states (KPP 6.1.1).

Note: Ideally tested in sea-state 3-4.

(6) Alert Storage: The motor shall withstand being packed for at least 3 months without leaking oil/fluids and shall subsequently meet all performance requirements outlined in section 6.2. (T) The motor shall withstand being packed for at least 6 months without leaking oil/fluids and shall subsequently meet all performance requirements outlined in section 6.2. (O)

(7) Weight (excluding fuel bladders and fuel lines): The motor shall weigh 220lbs or less (T).

(8) Color: The Motor shall be a subdued, non-reflective color. (T=O)

(9) Saltwater Corrosion Resistance: The motor shall meet or exceed the ASTM B117 standard for saltwater corrosion resistance (T=O).

e. Key System Attributes (KSAs):

(1) Emergency Tool Kit: The Motor shall include a toolkit with the required tools to allow Operators to address fuel system blockages, water flooding (dewatering), electrical failures, starter failures, and cooling issues while on the water. (T=O)

(2) Portability: The Motor shall require no more than two RT members to lift and mount the motor on the CRRC. (T) The Motor shall require no more than one RT member to lift and mount the motor on the CRRC. (O)

(3) Fuel Bladder Compatibility: The motor shall have a fuel bladder system with universal, quick-connect fittings that is compatible with the fuel bladder system from the legacy 40hp outboard motor. (T=O)

(4) Retroactive Capability: The motor shall maintain the universal attachment system compatible with legacy CRRC (P4.7 Boat) transoms. (T=O)

(5) Regulatory Compliance: If foreign sourced, the motor shall have the ability to be imported into the US and manufacturer must meet EPA Exemption Code 2 (National Security Exemption) under 40 CFR § 1068.225 / 1068.315(a): (T=O)

1) Requirement: The military program office must formally certify to the EPA that the motor is a "national security asset" required for combat readiness, overseas deployment, or specialized tactical training where standard EPA-compliant motors cannot perform the mission.

2) Paperwork: The EPA requires the submission of EPA Form 3520-21 (the standard importation declaration for motors). On this form, the importer of record must check the box for "National Security" and attach the military’s official letter of approval signed by an authorized DoD officer.

3) Special Labeling: Under 40 CFR § 1068.315, if imported motors, must be physically stamped or labeled with a permanent, English-language emissions label stating: "THIS MOTOR IS

EXEMPT FROM EPA EMISSIONS STANDARDS UNDER THE NATIONAL SECURITY

EXEMPTION."

5. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact to include phone number and email address CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 333618, Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications.

Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed below. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

c. Responses may include but are not limited to:

i. Pictures

ii. Training videos

iii. Architecture views

iv. Drawings

v. Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

vi. Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

vii. Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

d. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes, and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

i. If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the

Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Indicate whether or not the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public;

or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

g. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

h. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

i. Provide the details of training including process and cost.

j. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

k. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

l. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

6. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly releasable. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

d. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

e. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

f. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award

Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

g. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 16 November 2026 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani

AFLCMC/WISN

Contracting Officer jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil

Kameron Patterson

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager kameron.patterson.1.ctr@us.af.mil

h. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM mailto:jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil mailto:kameron.patterson.1.ctr@us.af.mil