Request for Information (RFI) C-130 Cargo Winch Overhaul

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Sustainment Center is conducting market research to identify qualified sources for the overhaul of C-130H Aircraft Cargo Winches (NSN 1680-00-860-3934, Part Number 41750-3-41BG) operated and maintained by the United States Air Force and United States Navy. The procurement requires comprehensive overhaul services including teardown, analysis, testing, procurement of spare sub-components, packaging, storage, transportation, engineering support, and data collection, with all work performed to Military Specification Mil-W-26217A and Technical Orders 35D4-2-30-1 and 35D4-2-30-4 standards. Assets must be returned to Ready-for-Issue condition while meeting required performance thresholds, and the contractor must provide obsolete parts resolution and engineering support for Deficiency Reports and Material Improvement Projects. This is a Request for Information and market research notice with a response deadline of April 18, 2026, though the Contractor Capability Survey responses are due by close of business on April 13, 2026, to be submitted via email to Caiveon Thomas and Joseph Jones at the provided Air Force contacts. The government has emphasized that both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate, with teaming and joint ventures welcomed.

This procurement has been determined to have limited competition due to proprietary technical data ownership, with Thomas Instruments, Inc. and Cunico Corporation identified as the two approved sources possessing the necessary repair data and expertise required for complete overhaul operations. No specific award value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, and no set-aside designation has been applied to this procurement. The contractor capability survey requests detailed information regarding past similar experience, C-130 Cargo Winch overhaul experience, classified material handling capabilities, facility capacity, configuration management processes, obsolescence resolution procedures, inventory management processes, and warranty or return processes. The government has indicated that it determined it uneconomical to reverse engineer the required technical data or acquire data rights, positioning this as the third competitive solicitation for this particular asset. Contractors must furnish all materials, support equipment, tools, and test equipment, while maintaining and calibrating all equipment to ensure replacement materials equal or exceed original quality standards.