Synopsis of Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks market research to identify potential sources capable of modernizing and upgrading the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to an LC-130J configuration. The government is looking for expertise in design, development, manufacturing, production, and sustainment of the modified aircraft to meet Polar Mission requirements as the LC-130H fleet is sunsetting. The government does not fully own or have access to the technical data related to these requirements.

• Integrate systems to achieve LC-130J Polar Mission requirements without loss of baseline capability.

• Develop aircraft systems, subsystems, operational flight profiles, outer mold lines, landing gear, skis, and components.

• Demonstrate capability to receive, store, inspect, modify, and develop systems.

• Procure all required materials and identify long lead items.

• Possess engineering expertise for modification/modernization.

• Have or obtain required tooling for modification without degradation of baseline aircraft.

• Produce a design meeting Polar Mission requirements and Air Force/Commercial airworthiness.

• Deliver all artifacts necessary to support and achieve certifications.

• Produce a quality verification/inspection plan adhering to 8210 and ISO 9000 standards.

• This is a market research effort; participation does not guarantee future contract awards.

• The government will not reimburse participants for expenses.

• The government anticipates a sole source environment with the OEM (LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP).

• This solicitation is for market research purposes only and is not an offer to contract.

• Respondents must provide documentation and evidence of:

  • Previous actions and procurement of necessary access/resources.
  • Specific tooling and fixtures with current technical ability.
  • Experience with critical equipment (drawings, part/model numbers).
  • Previous C-130J acquisition activities demonstrating ability to deliver certified modifications without OEM data or support.
  • Approved airworthiness (AW) certifications on C-130J or variants.

• A Contractor Capability Survey (Parts I and II) must be completed.

• Responses are due no later than 10:00 am EST on 12 January 2026.

• Responses must be sent via email to Amber Mathe (amber.mathe@us.af.mil) and Hannah Tuck (hannah.tuck.1@us.af.mil) with "RFI LC-130J" in the subject line.

• Small businesses are encouraged to respond. The government will determine the final strategy after analysis of responses.

• Small businesses should indicate if they require specific work to be broken out.

• Large and small businesses, joint ventures, and teaming arrangements are encouraged.

• Questions should be addressed to the PCO and CS.

• Attachments to the response should not exceed 10 MB per email; multiple emails are acceptable.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks market research to identify potential sources capable of modernizing and upgrading LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J configuration. The goal is to meet Polar Mission requirements as the LC-130H fleet is sunsetting. The government is exploring a sole-source environment with the OEM (LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP).

• Integrate systems into the LC-130J to meet Polar Mission requirements without loss of baseline capability.

• Development of aircraft systems, subsystems, operational flight profiles, outer mold lines, landing gear, skis, and components.

• Demonstrate capability to receive, house, and maintain C-130J aircraft provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

• Procure all necessary materials and identify long-lead items.

• Possess engineering expertise for modification/modernization.

• Possess or obtain required tooling for modification without degradation of baseline aircraft.

• Produce a design meeting Polar Mission requirements with Air Force and/or Commercial airworthiness (AW) certifications.

• Deliver all artifacts necessary to support and achieve certifications.

• Produce a quality verification/inspection plan adhering to 8210 and ISO 9000 standards.

• This is for market research purposes only; responses will not be treated as proposals.

• Respondents must provide documentation and evidence of previous experience, capabilities, and certifications related to C-130J (or variants) modifications.

• A Contractor Capability Survey (Parts I and II) must be completed.

• Responses are due no later than 10:00 am EST on January 12, 2026.

• Responses should be sent via email to Amber Mathe (PCO) and Hannah Tuck (CS) with "RFI LC-130J" in the subject line.

• No set-aside decision has been made. The government will determine the final strategy after analyzing small business responses and other market research.

• Small businesses are encouraged to identify areas of work that could be broken out exclusively for them.

• Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate; joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

• Participation in this RFI does not guarantee future solicitation participation or contract awards.

• The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation.

• The government does not fully own or have access to the technical data related to these requirements.

• Attachments shall not exceed 10 MB per email; multiple emails are acceptable.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks market research to identify potential sources capable of modernizing and upgrading LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to an LC-130J configuration. The government is looking for entities with the necessary data, expertise, capabilities, and experience to deliver a fully modified, integrated C-130J aircraft that meets Polar Mission requirements as the LC-130H fleet is sunsetting. The government does not fully own or have access to the technical data for these requirements and anticipates a sole-source environment with the OEM (LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP).

• Aircraft Modification: Receive, store, inspect, modify, and develop systems to integrate into the LC-130J for Polar Mission requirements without loss of baseline capability.

• System Development: Include development of aircraft systems, subsystems, operational flight profiles, outer mold lines, landing gear, and skis.

• Technical Capability: Respondents must demonstrate access to and utilization of resources, specific tooling, and fixtures with current technical ability to create, manufacture, and modify the C-130J (or variant) without manpower ramp-up. Evidence of experience with critical equipment is required.

• Data Independence: Respondents must provide evidence of previous C-130J (or variant) modification activities demonstrating the ability to deliver certified modifications without Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) data (Technical Data Package) or support for modification requiring updates to operational flight profiles.

• Airworthiness Certification: Provide documentation and evidence of approved airworthiness (AW) certifications on the C-130J or variants from a similar modification.

• Material Procurement: Contractor shall procure all required material and identify long-lead items.

• Engineering Expertise: Required engineering expertise for modification/modernization.

• Tooling: Required tooling or means to obtain it without degradation of the baseline aircraft.

• Design Production: Produce a design meeting Polar Mission requirements without degradation of baseline aircraft, meeting Air Force and/or Commercial airworthiness certification requirements, including all necessary artifacts.

• Quality Plan: Produce a quality verification/inspection plan adhering to 8210 and ISO 9000 standards.

• Contractor Capability Survey: Respondents must complete and submit Part I (Business Information) and Part II (Capability Survey Questions).

• Response Deadline: Responses must be received no later than 10:00 AM EST on 22 December 2025.

• Submission Method: Responses must be sent via email to Amber Mathe (PCO) and Hannah Tuck (CS) with "RFI LC-130J" in the subject line. Attachments should not exceed 10 MB per email; multiple emails are acceptable.

• Reimbursement: The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation.

• Small Businesses: If interested in participation, provide thorough responses. If full capability is not currently possessed, describe teaming/partnership/joint venture/subcontracting arrangements. Identify areas of work that should be broken out for Small Business.

• Teaming: Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged for both large and small businesses.

• Foreign Participation: The level of foreign participation has not been determined.

• This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for award. Participation does not guarantee future contract awards.

• Questions should be addressed to the PCO and CS.