F-16 Canopy Actuated Release Bolt
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 soliciting proposals for the F-16 Canopy Actuated Release Bolt (CARB), a Critical Safety Item (CSI) essential for aircrew survival. This is a Small Business Set-Aside acquisition, anticipated to be a Firm Fixed Price contract. Proposals are due by May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Scope of Work
This solicitation (FA8213-26-R-3021) is for the manufacturing and supply of F-16 Canopy Actuated Release Bolts (CARB), identified by NSNs 1377010855974ES / 1377014619131ES. The CARB is an explosive bolt used in the aircraft egress system. Key requirements include:
- Item Unique Identification (IUID) for all items.
- Preparation of Ammunition Data Cards (ADC) in accordance with MIL-STD-1168 and the Worldwide Ammunition-data Repository Program (WARP) system.
- Detailed marking instructions for Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) components, including Human Readable Information (HRI) and Machine Readable Information (MRI) in Data Matrix ECC 200 format.
- Strict preservation, packaging, and packing procedures per AFMCI 24-201, MIL-STD-2073-1, MIL-STD-129, and ISPM 15 for wood packaging, with specific requirements for hazardous materials.
- Compliance with procedures for rework and repair of nonconforming material (ES7034).
- Inclusion of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for several line items.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Anticipated Firm Fixed Price.
- Set-Aside: Small Business.
- Product Service Code: 1377 (Cartridge And Propellant Actuated Devices And Components).
- Place of Performance: Utah, United States.
- Period of Performance: Delivery is indicated as approximately 18 months for many Contract Line Items (CLINs).
Mandatory Qualification
Bidders must be a qualified vendor for the CARB (Part Number 16VK019-3) prior to contract award. The Justification for Qualification Requirements (JFQR) outlines a rigorous process, including notifying the government, certifying facilities, providing data verification and qualification test reports, demonstrating process verification, and undergoing testing at the offeror's expense. This qualification effort is estimated to cost $5,000 to $50,000+ and take approximately 360 days. Currently approved sources are PSEMC and Collins.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be made based on a tradeoff between price and other factors, with non-cost factors being significantly more important than cost or price.
- Factor 1: Technical
- Qualified Vendor: Pass/Fail (mandatory pre-award qualification).
- Schedule: Rated (Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Unacceptable) based on a project schedule demonstrating understanding, a reasonable execution approach, and appropriate detail (Work Breakdown Structure, milestones, task durations) in MS Project or Excel (max 5 pages).
- Factor 2: Price Proposal: Unit and total prices for specified CLINs will be evaluated for reasonableness per FAR 15.404.
Key Deliverables & Requirements
- Compliance with the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) for various reports (e.g., Ammunition Data Cards, Engineering Change Proposals, Test/Inspection Reports), with electronic submission via WAWF.
- A Subcontractor List is required for any subcontractors handling Arms, Ammunition & Explosives (AA&E).
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Darin Barnes at darin.barnes@us.af.mil.