Air Supply Initiator
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 is soliciting proposals for the Air Supply Initiator, a critical component for the Air Launched Cruise Missile (AGM-86). This unrestricted solicitation seeks a reliable source for manufacturing and supplying these "Explosives Manufacturing" items. Proposals are due July 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity covers the manufacturing and supply of Air Supply Ordnance Initiators (NSN 1336-01-230-5975 ES), which are dual bridgewire/common return cartridges that initiate the release of compressed air to pressurize missile fuel tanks, setting off launch procedures. The scope includes adherence to stringent technical specifications, packaging, marking, and data reporting requirements for these Critical Safety Items (CSIs).
Key Requirements & Deliverables
- Qualification: Offerors must be qualified sources or submit a qualification package and achieve qualification prior to award. The qualification process is estimated to take 360 days and involves facility certification, data verification, process verification, and building/testing a "Qualification Article" at the offeror's expense. Only United States and Canada suppliers will be considered.
- Technical & Quality: Compliance with detailed airmunitions specifications, including mandatory gross and fine leak checks, Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) with a plan submitted 90 days prior, and strict traceability for energetic materials (max 24 months age). Contractors must maintain a quality program (ISO 9001:2015 or AS9100) and adhere to specific rework/repair procedures for nonconforming material. The Government engineer retains MRB approval authority for this CSI.
- Packaging & Marking: Adherence to Special Packaging Instructions (SPI) per MIL-STD-2073-1 and MIL-STD-129, including ISPM 15 for wood packaging. Items must be marked per CAD/PAD Item Marking Instruction Version 1.6, including Human Readable Information (HRI) and Machine Readable Information (MRI) with Data Matrix ECC 200. Waivers for Item Unique Identifier (IUID) are not permitted.
- Data & Reporting: Submission of a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) including Ammunition Data Cards (ADCs) via the WARP system (MIL-STD-1168), Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Notices of Revision (NORs), Requests for Variance (RFVs), Failure Summary & Analysis Reports, Obsolescence Alert Notices, and DMSMS Health Assessment Reports. Advanced Report of Shipment (REPSHIP) is required for hazardous materials.
- Cybersecurity: CMMC Level 1 (Self) is required for contractor information systems.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for Line Item 0001 (200 EA Air Supply Ordnance Initiators).
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- Agency: Department of the Air Force, AFLCMC EBHK
- Place of Performance: Nibley, UT, United States
- Contact: Darin Barnes (darin.barnes@us.af.mil)
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be clear, concise, and include a Project Schedule with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), milestones, and task durations (max 10 pages). The Government reserves the right to award based on initial proposals without negotiations. Evaluation will be based on a "best value source selection" with Technical (Qualified Vendor and Schedule) significantly more important than Price. Only qualified offerors will be considered. Proposals deemed uncorrectable may be eliminated.
Important Notes
The Air Supply Initiator is a Critical Safety Item (CSI). Offerors must be aware of the stringent qualification process and technical requirements.