Rudder, special

The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation is conducting market research for the procurement of a special rudder component for KC-135 aircraft through its 423rd Supply Chain Management Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The requirement involves 2 units of NSN 1650-01-684-1629HS, Part Number 300300R-1005, which must be newly manufactured components including all associated inspection, testing, preservation, packaging, and shipping services. Potential sources must complete a Source Approval Request (SAR) package and demonstrate capability to manufacture aircraft hydraulic, vacuum, and de-icing system components under NAICS code 336413. The government seeks all potential manufacturers regardless of business size and requires submissions to include company details such as CAGE code, business size classification, and any applicable small business certifications. Interested vendors must submit their business information electronically through DoD SAFE by September 15, 2025, with technical inquiries directed to the AFSC Small Business Office at afsc.sb.workflow@us.af.mil.

This Sources Sought Synopsis does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to all business types, though the government specifically encourages participation from Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, 8(a) certified businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Small Businesses, and Women-Owned Small Businesses. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the documentation, and no specific contract values or budget ranges are disclosed at this market research stage. The procurement involves a relatively small quantity of 2 units, indicating this may be a specialized or low-volume requirement for the KC-135 fleet. The government emphasizes that this market research activity does not constitute a formal solicitation and provides no guarantee of future contract awards. Technical data and engineering drawings may need to be independently acquired by potential sources, suggesting manufacturers will need to invest in obtaining necessary specifications. The compressed timeline from posting on September 9, 2025, to the submission deadline of September 15, 2025, provides vendors with only six business days to prepare and submit their responses.