Source Sought F35 Map Lip Light

1.0 Description

The 187th Fighter Wing is intending to award a sole source contract to Gentex Corporation for F-35 compatible Map Lip Lights. The Map Lip Light is a mission-critical, human-systems interface component that provides dedicated, low-signature illumination within the cockpit, enabling the pilot to read maps and other flight documents during night operations without compromising visual acuity or aircraft detectability. The component must integrate seamlessly with the existing F-35 pilot oxygen mask and helmet assembly. 

Key requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Adherence to specific Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility standards.
• Compliance with all F-35 program airworthiness, electrical, and material specifications.

.

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS ONLY. This is not a request for proposals (RFP), request for quotations (RFQ), or an invitation for bid (IFB). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this synopsis or to otherwise pay for the information solicited.

2.0 Purpose & Authority

The purpose of this notice is to determine the existence of sources that may be capable of satisfying the Government's requirement. The information gathered will be used to create the acquisition strategy and determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.

This market research is being conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 and in consideration of the policy for full and open competition outlined in FAR 6.101. The potential for a sole-source acquisition pursuant to FAR 6.103-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements," is being considered, and this notice is intended to validate the market conditions supporting such a strategy.  This posting is to meet the requirements of PGI 206.103-170.

3.0 Required Information from Interested Parties

Interested parties who believe they have the capability to provide the required Map Lip Lights must submit a capabilities statement. The statement must be concise and address the following elements:

1. Company Information: Company name, address, CAGE code, UEI number, and a point of contact (name, email, and phone number).
2. Business Size: Business size and socioeconomic status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), Woman-Owned, HUBZone, etc.) under the specified NAICS code.
3. Technical Capability: A detailed description of your company's experience in manufacturing similar high-specification, military aviation-grade lighting or human-interface components. Please provide specific examples of past projects, including the aircraft platform and contracting agency.

4.0 Submission Instructions

Responses must be submitted electronically to the contracting points of contact listed below no later than the Response Due Date.

• Primary POC: Mr. Stephen Shanks, stephen.shanks.1@us.af.mil, 334-394-7529

Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.