CAD/PAD - Fighters IPT

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base is conducting market research for F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft egress system components, specifically canopy actuated release bolts, canopy jettison rocket motors, and dual seat canopy removers. This sources sought synopsis aims to identify potential suppliers capable of manufacturing explosive components under NAICS code 325920 (Explosives Manufacturing) with a size standard of 750 employees. Key requirements include demonstrating independent access to technical data from current rights holders Collins Aerospace, Nammo Defense Systems, and Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company, along with proven experience in manufacturing explosive components and performing engineering, manufacturing, inspection, and testing of egress system components. The government emphasizes that it will not fund second-source qualification efforts and does not currently own the technical data rights for these components. Interested companies must submit a detailed company profile and three-year experience history by October 30, 2025, with preference given to suppliers with existing explosive materials manufacturing experience.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations, though the government has expressed interest in small businesses including 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. The current rights holders for the technical data are Collins Aerospace, Nammo Defense Systems, and Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company, indicating these are likely the incumbent contractors for these components. No specific award values, budget ranges, or quantities are disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, as this is strictly a market research effort to gauge supplier capabilities and interest. The timeline indicates this is for FY26 planning purposes, suggesting any resulting contracts would begin in fiscal year 2026. The government's emphasis on suppliers having independent access to technical data and existing explosive manufacturing capabilities suggests they are seeking to establish alternative sources for these critical fighter aircraft safety components.