Notice of intent to sole source deutz_diesel_engines

The Department of the Air Force's United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Deutz Diesel engines. The notice, published on April 16, 2025, pertains to a procurement action for 26 Deutz Tier 4i diesel engines with power take-off (PTO), specifically Stauffer Diesel Part #1849, assembly kit D2011L04i with EGR valve. The procurement is being conducted under FAR 6.302-1 and statutory authority 10 USC 2304(c)(1), targeting the supplementation of depleting supply systems to support fighter aircraft sorties in the EUCOM and AFAFRICA regions. The engines are identified as critical replacements for BAK-12 and MAAS units, with Curtiss-Wright/ESCO as the intended sole source provider. The notice originates from the 86th Airlift Wing and represents a strategic procurement to maintain operational readiness.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to inform potential vendors about the government's intent to sole source the diesel engines, while simultaneously providing an opportunity for market research and potential challenges to the sole source determination. Contractors are invited to submit responses by 1600 CET on April 30, 2025, with all communications directed to Contracting Officer Ms. Fabiana Benkel at fabiana.benkel.de@us.af.mil. The notice explicitly states that this is not a competitive procurement request, and any received information will only be used to determine whether a full and open competitive procurement might be appropriate. Eligibility is effectively open, though the government retains sole discretion in determining the procurement approach. While the notice does not establish a traditional competitive solicitation, it serves as a transparent mechanism for potential vendors to provide input or challenge the sole source justification. The targeted engines are specifically rated at 63.7 hp@2600rpm and are considered essential for maintaining critical military aircraft support capabilities in European and African operational theaters.