F-16 Cell, Fuel, Aircraft
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 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation at Ogden, UT has issued a Solicitation for the procurement of 20 F-16 Aircraft Fuel Cells (NSN: 1560-01-322-9987 WF). This acquisition is restricted to qualified sources: Axillon Aerospace (Rockmart) Inc. and Floats and Fuel Cells Inc., and U.S. Contractors Only. Other interested parties must complete a comprehensive qualification process prior to award. Proposals are due by January 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the manufacturing, qualification, and delivery of F-16 aircraft fuel cells. Key aspects include:
- Manufacturing to ESA-approved engineering data, specifically for "FUEL TANK, FUSELAGE SGL PL ACFT, FWD REM" (P/N 16VB004001-3).
- Strict adherence to Item Unique Identification (IUID) requirements, including permanent, highly visible human and machine-readable markings (MIL-STD-130, ANSI/AIM BCII, ISO standards).
- Compliance with detailed military preservation, packaging, and marking standards (MIL-STD-2073, MIL-STD-129, ISPM 15), including special instructions for hazardous materials.
- Submission of a First Article Test Report (FATR) for specific line items, detailing dimensions, materials, and processing certifications.
- Supply chain traceability documentation.
- Handling of engineering data under strict export control restrictions ("DISTRIBUTION D").
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Set-Aside: Restricted to Qualified Sources / U.S. Contractors Only
- Response Due: January 30, 2026 (extended by amendment)
- Published: January 26, 2026 (latest amendment date)
- Delivery: Updated delivery dates for Item No. 0001AD range from August 31, 2027, to March 31, 2028. Early and partial deliveries are acceptable.
Qualification Requirements
Offerors not currently qualified (Axillon Aerospace, Floats and Fuel Cells Inc.) must undergo a rigorous qualification process. This includes:
- Notifying the government of intent to qualify.
- Certifying access to or ownership of necessary manufacturing, testing, and inspection facilities, including Lockheed Martin wet test fixtures (estimated $1.2M).
- Possessing a complete data package.
- Submitting a qualification test plan and report, and providing a pre-contract award qualification article.
- The qualification process is estimated to take 730 days with an estimated testing/evaluation cost of $50,000. Qualification must be completed before contract award.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated primarily on Price or Cost, with other factors being significantly less important. A first article evaluation cost factor of $15,000.00 is noted.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Kody Quayle (kody.quayle@us.af.mil)
- FATR Submission: kenneth.mackay.2@us.af.mil
- SOW/Packaging Questions: Stephine Lucero (Stephine.lucero@us.af.mil)