C-5 Structural Panels, WSDC:11F, AIRCRAFT, C-5 Galaxy

This sources sought 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.

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation is seeking potential small business suppliers for C-5 aircraft structural honeycomb panels and floorboards (see attached NSN list), supporting both planned depot maintenance and global DoD customer needs. This exploration may lead to multiple award Long-term contracts succeeding those awarded in 2021; (SPE4A2-21-D-0002/SPRWA1-23-D-0003 – Aero Components, LLC, SPE4A2-21-D-0005/SPRWA1-23-D-0005 – Honeycomb Company of America, Inc., SPE4A2-21-D-0006/SPRWA1-23-D-0004 – Top Flight Aerostructures, Inc.).  The Request for Proposal for this small business set-aside is anticipated to be released in May of 2025 with award in March 2026. Contracts will be for a period of 5 years with option periods lasting 5 additional years.

The C-5 Galaxy, a large military transport aircraft crucial for the US Air Force's heavy airlift capability, relies on adhesively bonded honeycomb panels for structural integrity. These panels, however, face logistical and quality challenges due to material availability and complex manufacturing. This initiative aims to ensure a high supply of quality C-5 panels (FSC 1560) to support the 90-day production flow schedule.

DLA Aviation seeks companies capable of manufacturing and delivering C-5 structural honeycomb panels and floorboards within production lead times compatible with PDM flow schedules. This specialized manufacturing demands strict environmental control, meticulous process adherence, and skilled interpretation of aircraft loft data. While the scope encompasses source-controlled items, AMC/AMSC coding is subject to change. Anticipated delivery is 90 days after a 360-day initial production period.

Critically, participation requires pre-approval. Potential sources must either be on the ESA's Qualified Sources List (QSL) or gain ESA qualification before contract award. Contact Jonathan Harrison at jonathan.harrison.3@us.af for QSL inquiries.

Responses should include the following business information for your company and any anticipated teaming or joint venture: partnering:

Company Name
Address
Point of Contact (POC)
POC Email Address
POC Phone Number
CAGE Code
Size of Business

• Small Business (Yes/No)
• Woman-Owned Small Business (Yes/No)
• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/No)
• 8(a) Certified (Yes/No)
• HUBZone Certified (Yes/No)
• Service Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes/No)
• System for Award Management Registered (Yes/No)

Please address the following:

1. Briefly describe the capabilities of your facility to manufacture honeycomb panels and floorboards. Include past experience, sourcing material, First Article Tests, and Engineering Source Approvals.
2. Is your company currently manufacturing (or has it previously manufactured) panels supporting the C-5 airframe for the Department of Defense?  If so, please list the contract numbers.
3. Does your company have, or have access to, the requisite tooling and equipment to manufacture panels?
4. Please review the draft statement of work and provide any feedback, namely on the production lead time requirements. Do you see the Production Lead Time (PLT) requirements being realistic?
5. How long would your company need to submit a proposal upon receipt of a solicitation?
6. Describe your company’s experience with 3D modeling as it relates to manufacturing.

Electronic responses are requested by 1600 EST on Thursday, 20 March 2025. 

Please email your response to Michele Mauney michele.mauney@dla.mil and Bran Sherman bran.sherman.ctr@dla.mil

Questions regarding this notice should be addressed to Michele Mauney at michele.mauney@dla.mil or (804) 971-2123.