463L Legacy Cargo Pallet Repair Follow-On
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force has awarded a Firm Fixed-Price Requirements contract valued at $159,784,641.00 to AAR Mobility Systems for 463L Legacy Cargo Pallet Repair Follow-On. This sole source award, made on March 6, 2026, ensures the continued depot-level repair of critical cargo pallets used across military cargo aircraft.
Scope of Work
This contract covers the depot-level repair of the 463L Legacy Cargo Pallet (NSN: 1670-00-820-4896), which is essential for transporting up to 10,000 lbs. of cargo on aircraft such as the C-5, C-17, and C-130. The pallets, measuring 108" x 88" x 2.25", are comprised of aluminum skins, balsa wood, aluminum rails, and twenty-two tie-down D-rings. The repair services are critical to maintain Mission Essential Levels (MEL) and prevent disruptions in military logistics and cargo transport, with an estimated requirement of 1,400 repairs monthly or 16,800 annually. All repairs must meet testing criteria specified in MIL-DTL-27443.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Requirements Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC)
- Awarded Contractor: AAR Mobility Systems (CAGE: 80298)
- Contract Number: FA8534-26-D-0004
- Estimated Value: $159,784,641.00
- Award Date: March 6, 2026
- Period of Performance: One (1) year basic period with four (4) one-year options (total of 5 years).
- Place of Performance: Contractor’s facility in Cadillac, MI.
- Contracting Activity: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/ROKC, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Award Details
This contract was awarded on a Sole Source basis to AAR Mobility Systems in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source). Market research indicated that AAR Mobility Systems, as the incumbent contractor and original manufacturer of the 463L Legacy Pallet, is the only capable source due to its specialized tooling and equipment. Only one offer was received for this effort. The Air Force owns the technical data package (TDP) and has unlimited data rights for the pallet.
Additional Notes
Fiscal year 2026 Operations and Maintenance funds will be obligated at the order level. The long-term strategy for the Air Force is to transition to a Next Generation Pallet, with a contract for this transition having been awarded in April 2022. This follow-on contract for legacy pallet repair bridges the gap until the full transition to the new system.