BA-X Program, Back Automatic Low Profile Parachutes
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- ROUK_25_JA0001
- Agency
-
AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB
Lifecycle Management Center, Department of Defense
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- FA8606-25-C-B004 Federal contract award
- Awardee
- Butler Parachute Systems, Inc.
- NAICS code
- 314999 All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills
- Place of performance
- Roanoke, Virginia 24017, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base has issued a Limited / Sole Source Justification Notice for the BA-X Program, which aims to replace the BA-18 high-speed bailout parachute currently used on B-52 aircraft. Butler Parachute Systems has been identified as the sole qualified vendor to provide a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parachute system that maintains existing capabilities while reducing equipment bulk and upgrading materials. The justification document highlights that Butler previously supplied the BA-30 platform for C-17 aircraft and received Safe-to-Fly certification in January 2021, which further substantiates their exclusive capability to meet the Air Force's requirements. The acquisition is planned as a one-time buy in fiscal year 2025, with expected delivery in the third quarter, and will include a complete emergency bailout system comprising canopy, automatic activation device, rigging kits, training units, and virtual reality simulator harnesses. While the exact contract value was not disclosed, the contract (FA8606-25-C-B004) was awarded to Butler Parachute Systems on February 18, 2025, with the primary objective of improving aircrew safety, reducing maintenance time, and enhancing operational flexibility.
Notice text
The BA-X Program addresses an AF 1067 requirement to replace the BA-18 high-speed bailout parachute currently employed on the B-52 platform. The BA-X will be a commercial off the shelf (COTS) item and maintain the same capabilities as the current in-service back-style parachute while reducing bulk, upgrading outdated material, and replacing legacy Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) automatic activation devices (AAD). Improvements expected from this program include decreased flight equipment manpower requirements, decreased maintenance time, and improved safety while allowing for greater range of motion/freedom of movement for aircrew. The BA-X program previously acquired the BA-30 platform from Butler Parachute Systems for low-speed bailout on the C-17 and is currently being sustained by the USAF.
Awarded contract FA8606-25-C-B004 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2025-02-18.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| BA-X JA_redacted_Redacted.pdf |
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