BA-21A Parachute Replacement

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Systems Requirements Document (SRD) for the BA-21A Parachute Replacement effort. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is seeking a new concept backpack-style parachute system to replace the legacy BA-21A parachute system used in the ejection seats of the B-52H platform. The current BA-21A parachute is heavy (31 lbs), requires extensive maintenance (up to six hours to repack), and can cause mission fatigue and discomfort. The new system aims to be lightweight, have reduced inspection and repack times, and be low-cost.

• Quantity: 546 parachutes (including spares and training).

• Weight: Threshold (T) 22lb, Objective (O) 17lb (with AAD).

• Size: T 24in x 14.5in x 4.5in, O 22in x 14in x 4in (with AAD, excluding accessories).

• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): Replacement of SCOT AAD required (T=O).

• Hazardous Materials: No explosive or pyrotechnical devices allowed (T=O).

• Maintenance Cycle: T 12 months, O 18 months.

• Packing Time: T 2 hours, O 1 hour.

• Compliance: Must meet PIA-TS-136 Rev 1 Requirements.

• Operational Envelope: Deploy normally within 95-150 KEAS (T) and 50-250 KEAS (O).

• Parachute Opening: Open from 1,000 ft AOL (T) / 500 ft AOL (O) up to 14,000 ft MSL (T) / 20,000 ft MSL (O).

• Rate of Descent: No greater than 24 ft/sec at 350 lb (T), no greater than 21 ft/sec at 350 lb (O).

• Compatibility: Must be compatible with B-52 ejection seats, CNU-129/P survival kit, aircrew gear, and various protective equipment.

• Service Life: T 15 years with 1-year repack cycle, O 25 years with 18-month repack cycle.

• Not specified in this document.

• Not specified in this document.

• Not specified in this document.

• This effort is specifically for the BA-21A ejection parachute replacement; the bailout requirement has been fulfilled.

• The document defines "Threshold" (minimum requirement) and "Objective" (desired requirement) levels for various parameters.

Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)

This announcement is a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) to conduct a market assessment for the BA-21A Parachute Replacement for the B-52H Major Defense System (MDS) ejection seat. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division is seeking to identify potential sources with the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet Air Force requirements and explore cost-effective options. Feedback is requested regarding the attached System Requirements Document (SRD).

• This is not a request for quote, proposal, or invitation to bid. It does not commit the Government to a solicitation or contract award.

• All costs associated with responding are at the respondent's expense.

• Responses become Government property and will not be returned.

• Not responding does not preclude participation in future RFPs.

• Small Businesses are encouraged to respond to help determine competition levels and establish subcontracting goals.

• If sufficient interest exists, a small business set-aside may be considered.

• Provide feedback on the BA-21A parachute system replacement requirements in the SRD, including:

  • Ability to meet requirements without further development.
  • List of requirements that cannot be met.
  • Anticipated schedule for product availability.

• If capable of only part of the requirement, explain capabilities and how deficiencies will be overcome.

• State interest in being a prime contractor or subcontractor.

• Include company information (name, address, POC, CAGE, DUNS, phone, email, website).

• Indicate qualification as a small business, women-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, small disadvantaged, 8(a) certified, HUB Zone, veteran-owned, or service-disabled veteran-owned business. Provide ownership details if foreign-owned.

• Provide technical information regarding ability to meet SRD requirements.

• Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate (2-3 pages), including unit costs, monthly production capacity for 546 units, and estimates for R&D, product support engineering data, Technical Data Package (TDP), technical manuals, and technical data rights.

• Submit responses via email to Capt Jordan Lindley (jordan.lindley.1@us.af.mil), Mia Dunford (mia.dunford.2.ctr@us.af.mil), and 1st Lt Blake Covin (blake.covin.1@us.af.mil).

• Deadline: 12:00pm EST on 26 JAN 2026.

• Subject Line: "Response to BA-21A Parachute Replacement Sources Sought Synopsis".

• Responses are limited to 20 pages.

• Mark proprietary information clearly.

• Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• The NAICS Code for this requirement is 314999.

• The Government may contact companies for additional information.

• Marketing materials will be considered an insufficient response.