FLU-9 Inflation Device

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base is conducting a sole source solicitation for FLU-9 Inflation Devices, which are cartridge initiators used in life preservers that trigger an electric circuit when immersed in water to inflate LPU-9/P life preserver cells. This procurement covers 2,856 units across multiple Foreign Military Sales cases for international customers including Egypt, Taiwan, Tunisia, and Bahrain, plus 1,456 units for the United States Air Force. The devices are classified as Division 1.4 explosive materials requiring strict quality assurance protocols modeled on ISO 9001:2015 standards, comprehensive documentation including Ammunition Data Cards, and adherence to extensive packaging and shipping requirements for hazardous materials. Key contract requirements include government-witnessed lot acceptance testing, unique item identification and serial number marking, radiographic inspection by certified personnel, and submission of multiple Contract Data Requirements List deliverables. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 PM MST on July 17, 2025, with submissions directed to jaide.sarchenko@us.af.mil and jason.lema@us.af.mil.

This solicitation uses no set-aside designation and is specifically targeted as a sole source procurement to Stratus Systems under CAGE code 3AX04. The contract involves a total quantity of 4,312 FLU-9 Inflation Devices (NSN 1377-01-590-0158) with individual FMS case quantities ranging from 2 to 600 units per case. The proposed delivery timeline spans 18 months from contract award, and the procurement is rated under the Defense Priorities and Allocation System. Performance will involve manufacturing these safety-critical aluminum devices measuring 4.6 x 0.89 x 2.72 inches and weighing 0.25 pounds each, with strict compliance to military packaging standards including MIL-STD-2073-1 and MIL-STD-129. The contractor must maintain comprehensive quality documentation, provide advanced shipment reports, and coordinate with the Defense Contract Management Agency for transportation guidance throughout the contract performance period.