Parachute Repair Training Courses Sources Sought Notice.pdf

This is a Sources Sought Notice published by the United States Air Force (the Government or USAF).

There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research to determine whether there are businesses available capable of providing an alternative product that meets the characteristics below. The Air Force anticipates procuring this product as a FY26 base effort with no option years. The Period of Performance is tentatively 28 Sept 2026 to 27 Sept 2027.

Responses to this sources sought notice will assist in a determination of whether it is in the best interest of the Government to proceed with a competition.

PSC: U008 - Training/Curriculum Development NAICS: 611519 - Other Technical and Trade Schools Size Standard: $21M

Description: The purpose of this requirement is to procure a commercial training course to deliver the General Parachute Cargo, Repair Course (GPS-RC) to train Air Force Parachute Riggers. The personnel attending this training are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of critical cargo parachutes (including G-12 and 15' EXT models) that are utilized in global military operations and tactical airborne logistics. Maintaining these systems in strict accordance with the manufacturer's technical specifications is paramount to ensure operational reliability. Untested or uncertified repair practices present an unacceptable safety risk to operating personnel and airborne equipment in austere field conditions.

The contractor shall provide all instruction, training facilities, materials, sewing machines, support equipment, and technical documentation (TB, TM, FM, etc.) required to conduct the training. The government does not require any additional equipment or installation services.

Requirements include: 14 course instructors, 40-hour block of instruction (5 days, Monday – Friday per class), and a target of 42 total graduate students (3 students per class, 6 total students per week using concurrent tracks)

The course must provide students with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for the proficient repair of cargo parachutes, specifically focusing on general patch repairs of G-12 and 15' EXT parachutes. The 40-hour curriculum must cover:

• Material identification

• Common stitch patterns

• Sewing machine operations

• Standard patch techniques

• Line splicing

Students must leave the course with the capability to conduct basic patch repairs on cargo canopy systems directly at their home units.

The Government will consider responses received within 6 days of issuance of this notice. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set aside competitive procurement. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this announcement.

If the Government competes this requirement, a synopsis shall be issued utilizing the combined synopsis/solicitation procedure identified in FAR 12.603. If this effort becomes a Small Business Set- Aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, will apply. Therefore, small businesses that want to be considered for a small business set-aside should demonstrate how they intend to comply. A determination not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is an administrative decision by the Government that is solely within its discretion.

Contractors should be aware of the following information:

1. Contractors must include the following information:

a. Points of contact, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers.

b. Identification as a large U.S. business, a small U.S. business, or a foreign business. Please note that size indicated should be based on the NAICS code for this effort listed above.

c. Identification of any other socioeconomic status including: Women-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business or HUBZone.

d. Company CAGE Code or UEI.

e. Capabilities Statement

2. This requirement is not intended for specific brand name products. Offerors are encouraged to suggest products other than those that may be specifically referenced by brand name. Responses must address how alternate product meet the product characteristics specified above.

3. Submitted information shall be UNCLASSIFIED.

Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought notice is strictly voluntary. The Government will not reimburse the respondents for any costs associated with their response. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposals nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government reserves the right to contact the submitting parties, on an as required basis, for further clarification on material provided. Respondents should not construe this notice as a commitment by the Air Force for any purpose. Responses shall be emailed to Jennifer Flores at jennifer.flores.21@us.af.mil no later than 09 Sept 12:00 PM CDT. Any questions should be directed to Jennifer Flores through email.

mailto:jennifer.flores.21@us.af.mil