Aircraft Wheel Washer
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 U.S. Air Force is issuing a Presolicitation Notice for a Large Aircraft Wheel Washer capable of automated cleaning of C-130J aircraft wheels for corrosion control. This opportunity is for full and open competition and will support operations at Ramstein Air Base, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Responses to show interest are due by June 10, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The government seeks a large aircraft wheel washer designed to remove rubber/carbon deposits from C-130J aircraft wheels. The system must perform automated cleaning, require minimal manual scrubbing, and include a self-contained filtration system, oil skimmer, and loading/unloading assist. The washer must be compatible with CALLA 602LF (MIL-PRF29602, Type I) and ARPOSOLVE 680 (MIL-PRF-680, TYPE II) solvents/cleaners. Installation, testing, and training are required at Ramstein AB.
Key Requirements
The wheel washer must meet specific salient characteristics, including:
- Capable of washing aluminum alloy (2014-T6) wheels up to 165 lbs, 24.5" diameter, 18" tall.
- Assisted loading function (trolley, jig, crane, etc.) and auto-fill water system.
- Power: 3 stage 230V-60Hz / 400V-50/60Hz, minimum 140°F programmable temperature.
- 40 HP (30 kW) Pump System with SS Shafts, fasteners, Viton Seals.
- Stainless Steel Cabinet & Wetted Standard Components, Engineered Wheel Wash Power Blast Manifold (SS).
- Auto Heated Fresh Water Rinse (SS), Auto Steam Exhaust (ASE) & Damper, Programmable Auto Oil Skimmer.
- Quick-load Non-scarring 2 Station Aircraft Main Wheel Fixture and Nose Wheel Fixture.
- Electrical System compliant with NFPA 79, including power disconnect, hour meter.
- Jib Crane w/ Trolley (66" length, 1000 lbs capacity).
- 50 Hz Upgrade - VFD Drive Pump, Motor Starters, Circuit Breakers, Export XFMR.
- DAP Freight to Ramstein Air Base, Maintenance Kit, and 3 days on-site Start-up, Training, and Commissioning.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation Notice
- Anticipated Contract Type: Full and Open Competition, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Best Value to the Government.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable in Germany (Full and Open Competition).
- Response Due: June 10, 2026, 8:00 PM Z.
- Published: May 26, 2026.
Important Notes
This is a pre-solicitation notice; quotes are not being accepted at this time. All responsible sources are invited to submit a response to show interest. Funds are anticipated to be available; award is contingent on fund availability. The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation. Bidders must review Attachment 2 - Contract Clauses for mandatory terms, including unique item identification and antiterrorism/force protection requirements.