AC-9 Life Raft Maintenance and Servicing

This is a Sources Sought (SS) notice issued solely for market research purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10. The purpose of this notice is to identify potential sources certified and capable of providing AC-9 Life Raft Maintenance and Servicing at Moody Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia.

This is not a solicitation and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement. It is the responsibility of the potential respondents to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

Requirement Overview

• General: The AC-9 Life raft requires the reservoir and valve assembly to be removed and serviced every 3 years, and the survival kit to be inspected per Air Cruisers Manufactured Maintenance Manual 25-62-30.

• Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall open the life raft and remove the reservoir, valve assembly, and survival kit. The contractor shall inspect the survival kit and replace all expired components. Following inspection and servicing, the life raft will be reassembled, packed, and shipped back to Moody AFB.

• Objective: The objective of this Sources Sought is to seek potential sources capable of providing AC-9 Life Raft Maintenance and Servicing.

• Scope: Work will entail the contractor opening the life raft and removing the reservoir, valve assembly, and survival kit. The contractor will then leak-test and requalify the cylinder and valve assembly IAW Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems (Safran) Component Maintenance Manual 25-65-49. The contractor will also inspect the survival kit and replace expired components. Lastly, the contractor will reassemble and pack the life raft assembly and ship it back to Moody AFB. All steps will be performed IAW all applicable governing DOT Regulations by DOT-approved facilities.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDENTS

Please provide concise answers to the following questions. Limit your total response to 3 pages.

Section 1: Company Profile

1. Company Name:
2. CAGE Code & UEI Number:
3. Point of Contact: (Name, Title, Email, Phone)
4. Socio-Economic Status: (Check all that apply under NAICS Code 326299)
   • Small Business
   • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
   • 8(a) Certified
   • HUBZone
   • Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
   • Large Business

Section 2: Technical Capabilities & Certifications

5. FAA Certification: Do you currently hold an active FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate authorized for emergency equipment/life rafts?

• If yes, please provide your Certificate Number and state whether it explicitly covers the Safran/Air Cruisers AC-9 series.

1. OEM Data Access: Do you have current, legally licensed access to the latest revisions of the Safran Aerosystems/Air Cruisers Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM) required for the AC-9?
2. Technician Training: Do you employ technicians who are formally trained and certified by the OEM (Safran/Air Cruisers) to inspect, test, and repack AC-9 life rafts?
3. Parts Procurement: Since servicing requires authentic replacement parts (e.g., inflation valves, CO2 cylinders), do you have an established purchasing agreement or distributor relationship with Safran Aerosystems?
   • Are you aware of any current supply chain delays for AC-9 components?

Section 3: Past Performance & Capacity

9. Relevant Experience: Briefly describe 1–2 recent contracts (Federal, DoD, or commercial) where your company successfully managed the routine servicing, hydro-testing, and repacking of aviation life rafts of similar complexity. Include contract numbers if applicable.
10. Throughput & Turnaround Time (TAT): Assuming a standard inspection and repack (no major repairs required), what is your facility’s average Turnaround Time (TAT) from receipt of the raft to return shipment?
11. Logistics: Are you capable of managing secure, hazmat-compliant shipping (due to compressed gas cylinders) to and from Moody AFB, GA 31699?