Extreme Loads Tire Force Machine
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 (DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE), specifically the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources for an Extreme Loads Tire Force Machine (EL-TFM) system. This system is intended for the Landing Gear Test Facility (LGTF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), Ohio, to test various aspects of existing and prototype landing gear systems and components for the Department of Defense (DoD). This RFI addresses a capability gap in dynamometer force testing and static load presses, requiring a system capable of loading up to 250,000 lbs. Responses are due by May 4, 2026, at 16:00 EST.
Scope of Work
The EL-TFM system will involve the development, design, build, fabrication, and installation of the machine. Key requirements include:
- Meeting specifications outlined in the "Extreme Loads Tire Force Machine Specification (Tire/Wheel)" SOW, dated September 17, 2025.
- Measuring vertical, yaw, and roll forces.
- Moving a loaded surface (approx. 30ft long, 5ft wide) at up to 6 inches/second.
- Investigating footprint forces, deformations, tire wear, localized forces, tire profile information, and quasi-static stiffness.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified; RFI requests information on business type (large, small, disadvantaged, HUBZone, woman-owned, veteran-owned) and relevant NAICS code (334519).
- Response Due: May 4, 2026, 16:00 EST
- Questions Due: April 20, 2026, 16:00 EST
- Published: May 14, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not commit the Government to a contract. No funding is currently committed, and a funded requirement may not exist. Costs incurred in response are at the interested party's expense.
- Submissions are limited to 10 pages for Section 2 and must be sent via email to tyler.payne.9@us.af.mil.
- Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.
- Companies must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
- The Distribution Statement D for the SOW restricts its distribution; interested parties must contact the Contracting Officer to confirm eligibility.
- All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
- The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.