Large Penetrator Warhead Cases
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 conducting a Sources Sought for Large Penetrator Warhead Cases to identify industry capabilities for manufacturing these components. This market research aims to gather information on potential sources for forging, machining, and delivering warhead cases from various steel alloys. Responses are due by February 10, 2026.
Purpose
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate, Attack Division (AFLCMC/EBD) is performing market research to analyze industry's ability to manufacture Large Penetrator warhead cases. This is for information and planning only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government is seeking to understand capabilities for producing cases from specified steels (4340, HP9-4-20, AF96) or novel alloys.
Scope of Work
Respondents should demonstrate capabilities to:
- Manufacture and deliver empty Large Penetrator warhead cases.
- Utilize specified steels or potential developmental novel alloys.
- Forge, manufacture, machine, and ship cases weighing approximately 2,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in weapon manufacturing and successful management of government contracts.
- Possess or have access to necessary equipment, data, personnel, facilities, and financial resources.
- Show high-level manufacturing processes and techniques, including metallurgical and engineering understanding.
- Clarification: Responses must address all specifications and drawings provided, including subcomponents and shipping fixtures for the full-scale warhead, not just the cases themselves. Quantities are currently unknown as this is a market research phase.
Submission Requirements
- Capabilities Statement: Brief, concise, not exceeding 10 single-spaced, 10-point font typed pages.
- Format: .pdf, .docx, or .xlsx (no .zip or .exe).
- Due Date: 2:00 P.M. (CST), February 10, 2026.
- Submission Email: Steven Wagner (steven.wagner.13@us.af.mil) and Christy Cross (christy.cross.2@us.af.mil).
- Subject Line: "26LGPENSTEEL."
- Technical Drawings: To receive technical drawings and specifications, a valid DD Form 2345 was required by January 21, 2026.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 332993 – Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing, with a 1,500-employee size standard.
- Small Business: Small businesses are encouraged to respond, including those capable of manufacturing a portion of the requirement. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses.
- Status: Respondents must indicate their size and socio-economic status (e.g., SB, 8(a), HUBZone, EDWOSB, WOSB, SDVOSB).
- Restrictions: Foreign-owned/Foreign-controlled firms will not be considered.
- Registration: All prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research only and does not guarantee a future solicitation. Responses are voluntary, and the government will not reimburse costs incurred for preparing submissions. Information gathered will help determine if qualified sources exist.