C-5 Honeycomb Contract Strategy
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 conducting a Sources Sought for a C-5 Honeycomb Contract Strategy, focusing on the complex manufacturing of adhesive bonded honeycomb panels for the C-5 Galaxy aircraft. This effort aims to identify qualified sources for these critical structural components. Responses are due March 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
The C-5 Galaxy aircraft relies on specialized adhesive bonded honeycomb panels to provide aerodynamic contours and structural integrity. Manufacturing these panels demands strict control over facility contamination levels, building temperature/humidity, adhesive life tracking, autoclave operation, and bond line surface preparations. The process follows detailed processing specifications, often requiring experienced technical staff to interpret aircraft loft data for highly contoured areas.
This Sources Sought is specifically for a Source Qualification Statement (SQS), as detailed in the document "C-5 Honeycomb Panels SQS for Industry Day.pdf". The SQS outlines the requirements for potential vendors to become qualified sources for manufacturing these panels.
Qualification Requirements
The SQS details the justification for establishing a qualification requirement, the specific technical, manufacturing, quality assurance, and experience requirements that must be met. Bidders must thoroughly review Section C of the SQS to understand the necessary capabilities, documentation, and processes required for qualification. Appendices A and B list specific part numbers and currently qualified manufacturers, respectively, providing context for the scope of this qualification.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought
- Response Due: March 26, 2026
- Published: March 4, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Place of Performance: S Coffeyville, OK, United States
Purpose
This notice is critical for any vendor interested in manufacturing C-5 honeycomb structural panels, as it defines the pathway to becoming an approved and qualified source. It is for market research and qualification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Tracey Beringer
- Email: tracey.beringer@us.af.mil