BA-21A Replacement (SSS) Sources Sought Synopsis.pdf

BA-21A Parachute Replacement

Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)

General Introduction:

1. This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) only. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU) is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet Air Force requirements for ejection seat parachutes on the B-52H Major Defense System (MDS). AFLCMC is issuing this SSS to explore cost-effective options to provide this capability and to obtain valuable feedback regarding the attached System Requirements Document (SRD).

2. This is not a request for a quote, request for proposals (RFP), or an invitation to bid, nor is this to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will not reimburse or pay for any information submitted in response to this SSS or any follow-up information requests. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this SSS will be solely at the responding party’s expense.

3. Not responding to this SSS does not preclude participation in any future Request for Proposal (RFP). Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this SSS to assist AFLCMC in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent small business subcontract plan goal percentages. An acquisition strategy is still being determined. Market research results will assist the Air Force in determining the acquisition strategy.

4. Note that if there is sufficient demonstrated interest and capability among small business contractors, then it may be determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate. A key factor in determining if an acquisition will be a small business set-aside is that two or more potential small business prime contractors must be capable of performing at least 50% of the effort, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.219-14, “Limitations on Subcontracting.” If it is determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate, and your company anticipates submitting a proposal as the prime contractor for a small business set-aside, please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14 with subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used. Respondents should clearly delineate any teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements and provide previous experience in teaming. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, then the Government will consider using small businesses. 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.

5. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and the U.S.

Government cannot accept to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the SAM (sam.gov) site for any additional information pertaining to this SSS.

6. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. Respondents shall not construe this announcement as a formal solicitation. It does not commit the government to reply to the information received, or to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this information.

7. The Government may contact companies if it requires additional information to fully understand the marketplace and/or comments to the requirements presented in the SRD.

8. Responders should also state whether they are interested in being a prime contractor for this requirement or a subcontractor.

Purpose:

9. Gather additional information on the current state and availability of vendors which can provide a solution to the BA-21A parachute system replacement for the B-52 ejection seat. It is expected that a solution meets Air Force safety and sustainment requirements and must be compatible with the ejection seats on the B-52 aircraft. The Government is requesting feedback on the requirements contained within the SRD.

Ejection Seat Parachute Requirements:

10. Respondents can find BA-21A parachute system replacement requirements for the B-52 ejection seat in the attached SRD. Please document any feedback to each of the requirements.

The scope of your comments should include the following:

a. Your ability to currently meet each of the requirements in the SRD without further development of your parachute

b. List of requirements that cannot currently be met

c. Anticipated schedule of when a completed product will be available for shipment

11. If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Sources Sought Synopsis, please provide a response that explains the requirements for which you are capable and how you intend to overcome any deficiencies.

Sources Sought Responses:

12. Please provide your SSS responses to Capt Jordan Lindley (jordan.lindley.1@us.af.mil), Mia Dunford (mia.dunford.2.ctr@us.af.mil) and 1st Lt Blake Covin (blake.covin.1@us.af.mil) by 12:00pm EST on 26 JAN 2026. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows:

“Response to BA-21A Parachute Replacement Sources Sought Synopsis”.

13. Responses shall include the following information:

a. Company/Institute name

b. Address

c. Point of Contact

d. CAGE Code

e. DUNS Number

f. Phone Number

g. E-mail Address

h. Web page URL mailto:jordan.lindley.1@us.af.mil mailto:mia.dunford.2.ctr@us.af.mil mailto:blake.covin.1@us.af.mil

14. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. The NAICS Code for this action is 314999. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a:

• Small Business (Yes/No)

• Women-Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

• Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/No)

• 8(a) Certified (Yes/No)

(If yes, SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date: .)

• HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No)

• Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

• Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

• Statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership).

15. Please provide the following (or similar) technical information:

Ability to meet the BA-21A Parachute Replacement Requirements in the attached System Requirements Document (SRD)

16. Please provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. ROM length should be no more than 2-3 pages and provide the estimated cost per parachute system. Specifically for production, include parachute unit costs and monthly production capacity for a total of 546 production units. If research and development is required to meet requirements in the SRD, please identify and provide an estimate. The Government is interested in obtaining product support engineering data or a Technical Data Package (TDP). Furthermore, please provide an estimate for any technical manuals for the parachute system packing, use and operation.

Finally, the Government is interested in obtaining technical data rights for demonstrated competitive procurement for the development of the parachute system and its components.

17. Please limit your responses to no more than 20 pages, to include product sheets, test data, answers to the questions above; identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. The Government will consider all marketing materials as an insufficient response to this SSS.

18. Respondents should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and mark accordingly, and all proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government will handle all information properly marked as proprietary information. The Government is not liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified.