U-2 Life Support Sustainment and Support

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center is conducting market research to identify contractors capable of providing sustainment and support services for the U-2 Life Support System, including depot-level repair, engineering support, program management, and full material management of the S1034 Pilot's Protective Assembly, coverall assemblies, torso retainers with harnesses and flotation devices, and S1034E Full Pressure Helmet for the Command and Control Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) Program. Key requirements include the ability to provide serviceable spare assets, resolve system failures in a timely manner, maintain desired availability and reliability, and establish an AF Material Command (AFMC) certified Contractor-Inventory Control Point (C-ICP) for material management. Prospective contractors must demonstrate depot-level repair capabilities, technical expertise in U-2 Life Support systems, quality assurance processes such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification, and the ability to manage proprietary data and develop repair procedures with minimal government assistance. Evaluation criteria will assess facility capabilities, past project experience, repair turnaround time considerations, cost effectiveness, and comprehensive technical documentation capabilities. The deadline for submitting responses to the Contractor Capability Survey is March 26, 2026, with submissions directed to the Contracting Officer at brittney.lightsey@us.af.mil and Contract Specialist at tara.stephens@us.af.mil.

This is a market research Request for Information with no set-aside designation used. David Clark Company Inc. (CAGE 71483), a small business located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is identified as the original equipment manufacturer and sole source for all U-2 Life Support oxygen-related equipment, indicating potential incumbent status for a portion of the work. The government has determined it uneconomical to purchase design data or reverse engineer parts, suggesting the contractor must either possess existing repair data and expertise or work in collaboration with the original equipment manufacturer. No specific award value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, as it represents an initial market research phase rather than a formal solicitation. The government has clarified that this market research does not constitute a formal solicitation or guarantee of contract award, and participation in this survey does not ensure future participation in subsequent solicitations or awards.