E-6B Sealant Removal and Replacement
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 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River, MD, has issued a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Sole Source Contract to Performance Aircraft Service Inc. (PASI) for E-6B Sealant Removal and Application Services. This award, published on June 4, 2026, was made on an "other than full and open competition" basis, citing 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) due to PASI being the only responsible source. A related Justification and Approval (J&A) document outlines the rationale for this sole-source approach, which also applies to an anticipated future Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for these critical services.
Scope of Work
The services involve comprehensive sealant removal and reapplication for E-6B aircraft to mitigate risks of water intrusion, aircraft damage, fuel leaks, contamination, and corrosion. Specific tasks include:
- Sealant removal
- Primer application
- EF-5992 sealant application
- Over and above repair work
- Pressure checking of fuel cells and surfaces
Work will be performed during aircraft depot maintenance events at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Sole Source.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source).
- Awardee: Performance Aircraft Service Inc. (PASI), Grapevine, Texas.
- Anticipated Future Contract: An IDIQ contract is anticipated in Q4 FY2025, with one five-year ordering period (FY25-FY29) and two additional one-year option periods (FY30-FY31).
- Funding: Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN-5) and Operation and Maintenance, Navy (O&MN) funds.
Rationale for Sole Source
The sole-source award is justified because PASI is deemed the only source possessing the necessary knowledge, experience, and familiarity with the E-6B aircraft to perform the work without causing damage or delays. PASI utilizes a proprietary "Aquamiser" process for sealant removal that is proven not to harm the aircraft structure. Using another source would incur substantial duplication of costs for validation, verification, and potential damage. This is a follow-on to a previous sole-source award to PASI in 2018.
Efforts to Solicit Other Offers
Prior market research included:
- A Sources Sought Notice on SAM.gov (Jan-Feb 2025), which received responses from PASI and Begini Howard Private Equity, LLC (BHPE), with BHPE not providing a capability statement.
- A Synopsis on SAM.gov (April 2025) indicating intent to award sole source to PASI. North American Aircraft Service and Accessories, LLC (NAAS) responded but was determined incapable.
Future Competition
NAVAIR currently has no plans to compete future contracts for these specific services, as this is expected to be the last contract for the strip and seal of the remaining E-6B aircraft scheduled for depot maintenance. Future competition will only be assessed if the scope changes or another capable source emerges.
Contact Information
- Primary: Randy Putnam (randolph.a.putnam.civ@us.navy.mil)
- Secondary: Lisa Troccoli (lisa.j.troccoli.civ@us.navy.mil)