C17 AIRCRAFT SEAT CUSHIONS AND HEADRESTS
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, specifically the 97th Contracting Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, has issued a Special Notice for the procurement of 85 C-17 Aircraft Seat Cushions and Headrests. The government intends to make a sole source award to First State Manufacturing Inc., citing their unique capability to provide all required items. This notice serves as a market research effort to determine if other sources can meet the Salient Characteristics. Capability statements are due by February 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM CST.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for 85 sets of C-17 Aircrew (IPECO) style seat cushions and headrests for flight deck and forward loadmaster seats. The existing cushions are worn and require replacement. Key technical specifications include:
- Aircraft Compatibility: Custom built for C-17 pilot/co-pilot/aircrew member and forward loadmaster (IPECO) style seats.
- Dimensions: Bottom cushion (approx. 17" L x 16.47" W), Back cushion (approx. 21" L x 18.75" W).
- Embroidery: "ALTUS" with flaming arrow on bottom cushion; flaming arrow and "MOBILITY'S HOMETOWN" on headrest.
- Materials: Equivalent to Confor CF45 Foam, sheepskin for body contact area, and blue Trevira cloth for remaining areas.
- Standards: Must meet Flammability Requirements per FAR 25.853(b) or (c) and include Velcro for attachment to IPECO style seats.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b) for single source procurement.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: February 16, 2026, 1:30 PM CST
- Published: February 6, 2026
- Place of Performance: S Coffeyville, OK
Submission Requirements
This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Interested sources must submit a capability statement that includes technical data and cost information, demonstrating the ability to meet all Salient Characteristics. Submissions must be via email (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) to patricia.bigornia.1@us.af.mil and kevin.pillow@us.af.mil. Incomplete submissions or those only asking questions will not be considered. The government retains discretion to proceed with a single source or conduct a competitive procurement based on responses.
Additional Notes
The Single Source Justification indicates that market research identified First State Manufacturing Inc. as the sole producer of all three required items (cushions and headrests). The government is posting this Special Notice to encourage future market competition and preclude future single-source awards.