Precision Military Freefall (MFF) Parachute Systems RFI 14 Oct 2025 Final.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

14 October 2025

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

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

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI); Precision Military Free Fall (MFF) Parachute

System

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 replacement for the current MFF parachute (RA-1 by Airborne Systems) that is reaching the end of its service life in 2027. This acquisition encompasses the procurement of a Precision MFF Parachute System for Air Combat Command (ACC) Guardian Angel (GA) teams to use during Personnel Recovery (PR) missions. These will be complete parachute systems, including a main canopy, reserve canopy, and harness/container system.

3. CAPABILITY GAP: The current Air Combat Command (ACC) Guardian Angel (GA) MFF parachute (RA-1 by Airborne Systems) was initially procured in 2015 and begins reaching the end of its service life in 2027. From 2027 onward, parachute systems will expire and require replacement. Concurrently, the GA weapon system has determined that the RA-1 no longer meets the performance requirements for global PR. The RA-1 restricts high-altitude deployment to 25,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), and the minimum exit altitude is limited to 5,000 feet MSL. This often prevents deployment below low clouds in inclement weather and severely limits the ability to find ground reference points, which are required for deployment. The RA-1’s 4:1 glide ratio also inhibits precision landings in complex terrain, increasing risk to both mission and force. The aging RA-1 inventory necessitates replacement with a system that will restore PR capability and increase mission success in any environment.

4. REQUIREMENT: The requirement for the Precision MFF Parachute System encompasses a main canopy, reserve canopy, and container/harness system. The specific performance specifications and characteristics of each of those primary components are listed below:

a. 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).

b. Key Performance Parameters (KPPs):

(1) Main Parachute KPPs:

(a) Deployment Methods: Shall support Bottom of Container (BOC) and Double Bag Static Line (DBSL) Deployment (T=O)

(b) Minimum Military Free Fall (MFF) Exit Altitude (using BOC Deployment): ≤ 3,500 ft AGL (T=O)

(c) Minimum DBSL Exit Altitude: ≤ 2,000 AGL (T) ≤ 1,750 ft AGL (O)

(d) Maximum Deployment Altitude: ≥ 35,000 ft MSL (T), ≥ 35,500 ft MSL (O)

(e) Maximum Suspended Weight: ≥ 490 lbs (T=O)

(f) Glide Ratio: < 3.5:1 (T), ≤ 2.71:1 (O)

(2) Reserve Parachute KPPs:

(a) Maximum Deployment Weight: ≥ 490 lbs (T=O)

(3) Container/Harness KPPs:

(a) Deployment Methods: Shall support BOC and DBSL deployment (T=O)

(b) Reserve Static Line: System shall have a Main Assisted Reserve Deployment (MARD) Skyhook with a Collins Lanyard (T=O)

(c) Reserve and Cutaway Handle Types: System shall have the option to use Outboard, pillow-type reserve and cutaway handles (T=O)

(d) Equipment Rings: System shall be configurable to have at least eight (8) cargo attachment points (T=O)

c. Key System Attributes:

(1) General System KSA:

(a) System Weight: The entire parachute system (Main Canopy, Reserve Canopy, and Container/Harness) shall weigh ≤ 35 lbs (T=O)

(2) Main Parachute KSAs:

(a) Control Lines: The Main Canopy shall have Dual Control Lines (T=O)

(b) Maximum Deployment Speed: ≥ 150 knots Equivalent Airspeed (EAS) at sea level (T=O)

(c) Rate of Descent, Full-Flight: ≤ 12-16 ft/s (T=O)

(d) Rate of Descent, 50% Brakes: ≤ 8-12 ft/s (T=O)

(e) Turn Rate: Canopy shall be able to execute a 180° turn within ~ 2 seconds, and a 360° turn within ~ 3-5 seconds (T=O)

(3) Reserve Parachute KSAs:

(a) Flight Characteristics: The Reserve Canopy shall have flight characteristics (Rate of Descent, Forward Speed, Glide Ratio, etc.) comparable to those of the Main Canopy, such that an operator who cuts away from their Main Canopy is able to maneuver in a manner similar to other operators who are still under their Main Canopy (T=O)

(b) Control Lines: The Reserve Canopy shall have Dual Control Lines (T=O)

(4) Container/Harness KSAs:

(a) Drogue Location: The system shall accommodate an alternate drogue release location (T=O)

(b) Pin Cover Features: The system shall have a see-through reserve pin cover with an integrated Automatic Activation Device (AAD) pocket (T=O)

(c) Oxygen System Compatibility: The system shall be compatible with both a Twin 53 cu in and Single 80, 100, or 122 cu in oxygen systems (T=O)

d. Compliance with Standards:

(1) Respondents to this RFI are requested to list which, if any, industry/testing standards their systems have been tested to and/or comply with. Examples include DoT TSO-C23, Personnel Parachute Assemblies; SAE AS8015, Minimum Performance Standard for Parachute Assemblies, Personnel; and any American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards that may apply to personnel parachute systems.

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:

(1) Company/Institute Name

(2) Address

(3) Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address)

(4) CAGE Code

(5) Web Page URL

b. Pursuant to NAICS Code 314999 - All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills, state whether the company is:

(1) Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(2) Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(3) Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(4) HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(5) Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(6) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(7) 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(8) SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

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

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

e. 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.

f. Responses may include but are not limited to:

(1) Pictures

(2) Training videos

(3) Architecture views

(4) Drawings

(5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

(6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

(7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

g. 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). 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.

h. 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.

i. 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.

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

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

l. Provide the details of NET training including process and cost.

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

n. 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.

o. 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.

d. 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.

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

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

g. 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

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00 PM Eastern time on 29 October 2025 via email to:

Gage Wright Jennifer Austin

AFLCMC/WISK AFLCMC/WISN

Contracting Officer Program Manager gage.wright.1@us.af.mil jennifer.austin.8.ctr@us.af.mil

1st Lt Oliver Lindblom

AFLCMC/WISN

Special Warfare Engineer oliver.lindblom.1@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Program Manager and Engineer identified above, with contracting copied as a courtesy.

j. 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 the 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.