Sources Sought - F16 Crash Survivable Flight Data Recorder. Please see enclosed sources sought PDF for details.

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base is seeking potential contractors to redesign the F-16 Crash Survivable Flight Data Recorder (CSFDR) system. The project involves redesigning eight specific part numbers and delivering ten prototypes for testing, with the ultimate goal of providing a complete technical data package for USAF combat-coded F-16s and Foreign Military Sales Block 70 aircraft. Contractors must either own a functional CSFDR system or possess a valid license from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and must have previously qualified two or more military flight-worthy end items. The Air Force has designated the NAICS code as 541330 (Engineering Services) and encourages responses from various small business categories, including small disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) firms, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HubZone businesses, and women-owned small businesses. Interested parties are required to submit detailed responses to Sean Neilson via email by May 9, 2025, which should include comprehensive business information, potential teaming arrangements, warranty processes, and proposed reliability improvements.

The solicitation does not have a specific set-aside designation, allowing for broad competition among potential contractors. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is identified as the current incumbent for the CSFDR system. The anticipated award value is approximately $41.5 million, with the contract expected to include supply chain and logistics management for a 20-year period. The project requires the delivery of ten prototype units for comprehensive testing and evaluation. Contractors will need to demonstrate significant technical capabilities, including the ability to design and potentially manufacture advanced aviation recording systems that meet stringent military specifications. The procurement aims to modernize and improve the crash survivable flight data recording capabilities for F-16 aircraft, potentially supporting both current USAF fleets and international military sales through the Block 70 platform.