F-16 Mounting Bracket FA820325Q0005

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Sustainment Center is seeking to procure F-16 mounting brackets for multiple foreign military sales cases and domestic requirements. The solicitation (FA820325Q0005) covers 447 steel mounting brackets with National Stock Number 5340-01-643-5571, specifically for downlock actuator redesign. The procurement will be evaluated using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, with two primary evaluation factors: Price and Technical Acceptability. Only seven specific manufacturers are currently approved, including Machine Specialties LLC, SAF Industries LLC, and Transaero, Inc., with alternate sources able to pursue qualification through the Manufacturing Qualification Requirements (MQR) document. Potential contractors must undergo comprehensive qualification testing, provide a pre-contract award qualification article, and meet extensive evaluation criteria. The solicitation response is due by May 19, 2025, with contractors required to hold offered prices firm for 30 days.

This procurement is a 100% Small Business set-aside targeting manufacturers in the Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing sector. The contract covers units for Foreign Military Sales cases, including 129 units for Egypt, 5 units for Poland, 214 units for Taiwan, and 103 domestic units. Delivery is scheduled by November 13, 2026, with F.O.B. origin terms and a firm fixed price contract. The estimated government testing and qualification cost is approximately $2,000, with a 365-day estimated completion time for qualification. The place of performance is Hill AFB, Utah, where contractors will be required to deliver the mounting brackets and potentially undergo first article testing. Contractors must comply with various defense acquisition regulations, including safeguarding covered defense information, Buy American Act requirements, and unique item identification for items valued at $5,000 or more.