SSS FD2060-22-00477.pdf

Sources Sought Template

(Request for Interested Manufacturers)

FROM: Tonett Pendleton/410/SCMS/GULB

TO: DLA Aviation Procurement Operations at Warner Robins (SPRWA1)

LOCATION: Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813

FBO Post Title: Request for Interested Manufacturers 1680-99-695-3410MH Pull Handle, Catapult; 1680-99-958-2695MH Reel, Shoulder Harness, 1680-99-213-1688MH Actuator, Electro-Me

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 the following items: PR# FD2060-22-00477 Pull Handle Catapult, Reel Shoulder Harness Assembly, and Rear Actuator, Electro-Mechanical. Applicable NAICS is 336413.

ITEM DESCRIPTION

The Reel, Shoulder Harness Assembly is located in the center of the seat back just below the headrest. The inertia reel fulfills two functions: (1) it acts like the shoulder belt in a car, restraining the pilot against a 2gx forward (-x) motion and (2) upon ejection, it retracts the pilot to an upright posture to minimize the possibility of spinal damage due to spinal misalignment upon catapult ignition. On the left side of the seat bucket there is a handle which allows the crew member to manually lock the reel prior to intense maneuvers or landing to prevent possible injuries.

Firing of the seat is normally actuated by pulling one of the ejection Pull Handle Catapult handles mounted on the seat bucket sides. The side pull handles are mechanically linked so that raising one will lift the other as well. Raising the handles actuates a pair of initiators via mechanical linkages.

The seat raising actuator, electro-mechanical (rear) allow the aircrew to adjust the seat height to the correct position before flight.

IMPEDIMENT TO COMPETITION:

The current original equipment manufacturer for these items is Martin Baker Aircraft Co.

Ltd. (CAGE U1604), which maintains its configuration by part number and configuration control. The Government either does not own any data/drawings/schematics or has limited rights which indicate an inability to release data for competitive solicitation. As a result, Martin Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. is the only known source with adequate knowledge of the Pull Handle Catapult, Shoulder Harness Reel Assembly, and Rear Actuator Electro-Mechanical performance requirements and has possession of the required technical data and capabilities needed to produce these items and ensure compatibility of the equipment.

INTEREST

The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Martin Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. for the manufacture of the Pull Handle Catapult, Shoulder Harness Reel Assembly, and Rear Actuator Electro-Mechanical in support of the T-38C Ejection Seat. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 02/10/2022 closing date by emailing russell.mcgaha@us.af.mil .

The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

DISCLAIMER

This 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.