SSJ_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a federal contract opportunity for AC-9 Life Raft Inspection, Maintenance and Repair services at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The requirement covers inspection, maintenance, and repair services for ten AC-9 evacuation life rafts used on C-146 aircraft for over-water flight operations. The contractor must perform Standard Component Maintenance Manual repack inspections and required maintenance as the rafts have exceeded ten years of age and require annual inspection and certification. Additional parts or repairs may be necessary based on the contractor's initial evaluation of each raft. The contracting activity is AFMC/AFTC/PZIOA, and the contract is dated March 30, 2026.

The justification for sole-source award to Safran AeroSystems Evacuation (dba Air Cruisers Company, LLC; CAGE 46RK2, UEI N141EBDDCBJ7) is based on mission-critical safety requirements. AC-9 life rafts are proprietary equipment manufactured exclusively by Safran, which is the only entity authorized to inspect, service, repair, and recertify these rafts per Component Maintenance Manuals 25-62-30 and 25-65-49. No third-party vendors are permitted to perform maintenance or certification. Failure to complete this service will ground affected aircraft, directly impacting mission readiness and operational capability. The Air Force has previously awarded sole-source contracts to Safran for this requirement (FA282323P0088 and FA282325P0008). Market research through SAM.gov, GSA.gov, and open-source industry databases identified no alternative vendors capable of servicing AC-9 evacuation life rafts. Future market research will continue to identify newly authorized service providers, but currently only Safran is authorized to perform the required maintenance and certification.