SSS for Load Arrestor Buy.pdf

Sources Sought Synopsis

(Request for Interested Manufacturers)

FROM: Komkit Seshompo 410th SCMS/GULB

TO: Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC)/PZAAC at Warner Robins (FA8517)

LOCATION: Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813

FBO Post Title: Request for Interested Manufacturers of NSN: 1680-01-181-4175MH Cylinder

Assembly (aka Load Arrestor)/ P/N 1171-3.

SUBJECT:

Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of Cylinder

Assembly (Load Arrestor) NSN: 1680-01-181-4175MH, P/N 1171-3.

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

The Cylinder Assembly P/N 1171-3 (aka Load Arrestor) is a military-unique and flight Critical

Safety Item (CSI) integrated within the B-1 bomber egress system to deliver a dual-operational capability of structural stabilization and energy reduction. During high-rate deceleration events, this highly engineered device acts as a rigid structural brace that absorbs and mitigates severe forward structural loads to prevent critical deflection of the upper ejection seat carriage, thereby preserving nominal geometric alignment and ensuring safe, unimpeded rail clearance during the ejection sequence. Additionally, the assembly functions as a specialized hydraulic/pneumatic shock absorber designed to facilitate rapid, controlled seat retraction immediately prior to ejection. Because any deviation from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) technical data package, material metallurgy, or dimensional tolerances could cause catastrophic structural deformation—resulting in egress system failure, severe aircrew injury, or loss of life—and because ejection technologies are entirely absent from civil aviation, no commercial equivalent or dual-use standard exists for this critical component.

IMPEDIMENT TO COMPETITION:

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for this item is Collins Aerospace (formerly known as Universal Propulsion, CAGE 17610), which maintains its configuration control by part number. The Government does not own the technical data package (TDP), proprietary drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data required to support this solicitation.

Consequently, Collins Aerospace is the only known source with the specialized engineering knowledge of the load arrestor's performance specifications, as well as the proprietary data and manufacturing capabilities necessary to produce this item and guarantee equipment compatibility.

INTEREST:

The Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC)/PZAAC Contracting Office intends to award a sole-source contract to Collins Aerospace for the manufacture of the Cylinder Assembly (Load

Arrestor) in support of the B-1B ejection seat. Other interested parties may identify their interest and submit their capability statements in response to this requirement no later than November

13, 2026, by emailing LM: Komkit Seshompo at komkit.seshompo.1@us.af.mil and copying PCO: Carlos Renfroe at carlos.renfroe.1@us.af.mil; Buyer: Kinser George at kinser.george@us.af.mil. The Government intends to procure these items utilizing other than full and open competition, as authorized by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and

No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

DISCLAIMER:

The Sources Sought Synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.

mailto:dla.dlr.proc@us.af.mil mailto:kinser.george@us.af.mil