New Aircraft Pallets
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA853426RPALLET
- Agency
-
AFLCMC Robins AFB
Lifecycle Management Center, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 331318 Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Warner Robins, Georgia 31098, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Robins Air Force Base is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the development and production of new aircraft pallets to replace the 463L cargo pallets that have been in service since 1963. The government seeks to procure pallets composed of extruded aluminum panels friction stir welded together, designed for transport across military airlift systems including C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F aircraft. Key requirements include an 88" x 108" nominal dimension, maximum weight of 300 pounds, 10,000-pound load capacity, and a minimum 10-year design life. The procurement will be structured as a full and open competitive process, with proposals evaluated in accordance with AFARS guidelines, specifically utilizing the submission instructions in Section L and evaluation factors outlined in Section M. The RFI response deadline was December 19, 2025, with supplemental questions and answers provided on November 25 and December 18-19, 2025, and additional technical documentation made available as of January 8, 2026.
This RFI is not designated as a set-aside procurement and represents full and open competition with no restrictions on eligible contractors. The anticipated monthly production requirement is approximately 1,583 pallets with potential surge capability to produce an additional 4,167 pallets, indicating substantial long-term demand for the government's logistics operations. No specific incumbent contractor is identified in the notice, and the government has confirmed that companies providing only component assembly are eligible to respond, as are small businesses interested in teaming or subcontracting opportunities. While no specific contract award value is stated in the pre-solicitation notice, the production volumes and multi-agency requirement (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Defense Logistics Agency) suggest a significant procurement opportunity. The NAICS classification 331318 (Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding) indicates the expected industry focus for potential bidders.
Notice text
6 versions
Update #6 · Latest ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F. See attached for futher details.
In response to recent quesitons, see below:
We appreciate the expression of interest in the new aircraft pallet production effort. To ensure a level playing field and promote robust competition, all respondents will have an equal opportunity to submit proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with submission instructions detailed in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) and with criteria outlined in Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) of the solicitation, both in accordance with AFARS. For your convenience, reference drawings are available in the attachment section. Please be assured that this is intended to be a full and open competitive procurement.
The government question and answer has been attached dated 11/25/2025.
The government second round of question and answer has been attached dated 12/19/2025.
RFI has been re-opened to attach the Pallet STP images that were requested dated 01/08/2025.
Update #5 ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F. See attached for futher details.
In response to recent quesitons, see below:
We appreciate the expression of interest in the new aircraft pallet production effort. To ensure a level playing field and promote robust competition, all respondents will have an equal opportunity to submit proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with submission instructions detailed in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) and with criteria outlined in Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) of the solicitation, both in accordance with AFARS. For your convenience, reference drawings are available in the attachment section. Please be assured that this is intended to be a full and open competitive procurement.
The government question and answer has been attached dated 11/25/2025.
The government second round of question and answer has been attached dated 12/19/2025.
Update #4 ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F. See attached for futher details.
In response to recent quesitons, see below:
We appreciate the expression of interest in the new aircraft pallet production effort. To ensure a level playing field and promote robust competition, all respondents will have an equal opportunity to submit proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with submission instructions detailed in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) and with criteria outlined in Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) of the solicitation, both in accordance with AFARS. For your convenience, reference drawings are available in the attachment section. Please be assured that this is intended to be a full and open competitive procurement.
The government question and answer has been attached dated 11/25/2025.
The government second round of question and answer has been attached dated 12/18/2025.
Update #3 ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F. See attached for futher details.
In response to recent quesitons, see below:
We appreciate the expression of interest in the new aircraft pallet production effort. To ensure a level playing field and promote robust competition, all respondents will have an equal opportunity to submit proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with submission instructions detailed in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) and with criteria outlined in Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) of the solicitation, both in accordance with AFARS. For your convenience, reference drawings are available in the attachment section. Please be assured that this is intended to be a full and open competitive procurement.
The government question and answer has been attached dated 11/25/2025.
Update #2 ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, C-130, CH-53K, and CH-47F. See attached for futher details.
In response to recent quesitons, see below:
We appreciate the expression of interest in the new aircraft pallet production effort. To ensure a level playing field and promote robust competition, all respondents will have an equal opportunity to submit proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with submission instructions detailed in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) and with criteria outlined in Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) of the solicitation, both in accordance with AFARS. For your convenience, reference drawings are available in the attachment section. Please be assured that this is intended to be a full and open competitive procurement.
Update #1 ·
The Government’s requirement for air cargo pallets is in high demand in order to support current operations. The air cargo capability transforms strategic intent into tactical reality, ensuring that every mission-critical resource reaches its destination with the reliability, speed, and precision that operational success demands.
This requirement is currently satisficed by the 463L cargo pallets which has served the United States Logistics (military, domestic, and humanitarian) missions since 1963 with few modifications. The 463L pallet is a single purpose, Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified asset, measuring 88” x 108”, weighing 300 lbs. or less, and composed of an aluminum outer skin with a balsa wood core. The pallets are used for transport throughout the military airlift system which includes cargo loaders, forklifts, and conveyor systems. The cargo aircraft include the C-5, C-17, and C-130. See attached for futher details.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet STP file.pdf | ||
| Pallet STP 2.pdf | ||
| RFI FA853426RPALLET Q_A 2.docx | DOCX document | |
| RFI FA853426RPALLET Q_A 2.docx | DOCX document | |
| Updated RFI Future Pallet 2025 Rev 1.docx | DOCX document | |
| RFI FA853426RPALLET Q_A.docx | DOCX document | |
| 201993428 Center Panel Extrusion.pdf | ||
| 201993429 Side Panel Extrusion.pdf | ||
| 201993427 Intermediate Panel Extrusion.pdf | ||
| Updated RFI Future Pallet 2025.pdf | ||
| 201993431 Tie Down Ring Assembly.pdf | ||
| 201993426 Pallet Assembly All-Aluminum.pdf | ||
| EDL All Aluminum Pallet.pdf | ||
| 201993430 Edge Rail Extrusion.pdf | ||
| 200415485 General Engineering Notes.pdf | ||
| RFI Future Pallet 2025.pdf |
Show all 16
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