Dowty C130J Master Blade Calibration

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Sustainment Center is soliciting quotes for biennial repair and calibration services for two C130J Master Blade assemblies through Request for Quote (RFQ) FA857125Q0094. This procurement involves the evaluation, repair, and calibration of two specific master blade part numbers (DAPT62-0141-00 and DAPT62-0078-00) with serial numbers DAP4936 and DAP5124, which are critical components in the Dowty/USAF public-private partnership for C-130J propeller operations. The contract requires the selected contractor to provide certification documentation, conduct acceptance testing, visual inspections, and operational tests, with all services to be completed within 10 weeks of receiving the master blades. Key deliverables include calibration certificate reports and government property physical inventory reports, with delivery required to the 402d MXSG at Robins Air Force Base. The solicitation operates under Simplified Acquisition Procedures as a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, with quotes due by July 25, 2025.

This is a sole source procurement specifically directed to GE Aviation Systems Limited (CAGE Code U7387), a large business, with no set-aside designation applied to the opportunity. The contract has a total value of $19,000,000 and covers a performance period from July 18, 2025, to January 14, 2026. The work will be performed at the contractor's facility in Gloucester, United Kingdom, as GE Aviation Systems Limited is identified as the only company capable of meeting the unique requirements for these specialized master blades. The government has determined that switching to another vendor would require purchasing new blades with an estimated 72-week lead time and could potentially cause work stoppage at Robins Air Force Base. Market research conducted through various databases, including the Dynamic Small Business Search and System for Award Management, confirmed that zero small businesses are capable of providing the required specialized calibration services for these critical aircraft components.