Request for Interested Manufacturers of 4220-01-505-8727SO – Life Raft, Inflatable

SUBJECT:

Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of Life Raft Unit – 33/A (LRU-33/A) 20 Person Life Raft, Inflatable – NSN:  4220-01-505-8727S0: Part Number 65260-103

ITEM DESCRIPTION

The LRU-33/ A, 20 Person Life Raft, NSN 4220-01-505-8727S0, Part Number 65260-103 is a Multi-Place Life Raft (MPLR) designed and developed to comply with Military Performance Specification – 1894F (MIL-PRF-1894F) to provide out-of-water support for up to 20 people forced to abandon aircraft at sea. Each Multi-Mission Cargo – 130J (MC-130J)/Search and Rescue Cargo – 130J (HC-130J) aircraft is equipped with 4 each raft to accommodate 80 personnel. The Attack Cargo – 130J (AC-130J) aircraft is equipped with 2 to accommodate 40 personnel.

The life raft NSN 4220-01-505-8727SO, Part Number 65260-103 incorporates a dual-tube, non-reversible design with a self-erecting canopy, an inflation system with a shatter proof gas cylinder, an insulated floor, self-inflating boarding ramps, two water-activated lights (one inside and one outside), and carrying case. Other features include attached ballast bags, sea anchor, and rainwater collector. A foam block with cable guides and cables for left- and right-wing installation are also provided. Two retaining straps with frangible links, which break when the life raft is actuated help maintain the form of the folded life raft. The life raft is constructed of urethane-coated nylon with thermo-bonded seams.

Operational Considerations - The 46-person MPLR is used by Air Mobility Command on their Cargo – 130 (C-130) (series) aircraft. While this would be a desired alternative to gain logistics synergies and efficiencies, the larger life raft was deemed unsuitable for Special Operations Forces (SOF)/Personnel Recovery (PR) aircraft and the only authorized MPLR for Air Force SOF/PR C-130 (series) aircraft is the LRU-33/A.

Impediment to Competition:

The original equipment manufacturer for this item is Air Cruisers Company, LLC, CAGE code: 70167, which maintains its configuration by part number and software version. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement. As a result, Air Cruisers, LLC is the only known source with adequate knowledge and possession of the required technical data and capabilities needed to produce this item and ensure compatibility of the equipment.

INTEREST

The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Air Cruisers Company, LLC for the manufacture of 20 Person Life Rafts in support of the C-130J Aircrafts program. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than April 30, 2026, by emailing Eric Colvin at eric.colvin.1@us.af.mil and Rebecca Taylor at rebecca.taylor.21@us.af.mil. The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by RFO 6.103-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

DISCLAIMER

This sources sought synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.