Notice of Intent to Sole Source KC-46 Production Extension
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, specifically the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the KC-46 Production Extension. This action aims to procure up to 75 KC-46A aircraft to continue recapitalizing the legacy tanker fleet. The Air Force intends to award a sole-source contract to The Boeing Company (CAGE: 81205) of Everett, WA, citing Boeing as the only responsible source with the necessary facilities, workforce, tooling, and proprietary data. This is not a request for competitive proposals.
Scope of Work
The requirement includes:
- Continued full-rate production of KC-46A aircraft.
- Associated product support.
- Related studies and analyses.
- Necessary data, subscriptions, and licenses.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Pre-solicitation Notice)
- Set-Aside: Not applicable
- Intended Contractor: The Boeing Company
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1
- Capability Statement Due: April 16, 2026, at 1400 Eastern Time
- Published: April 1, 2026
Key Details & Action Items
This notice explicitly states it is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document will be issued. The Government does not own the proprietary technical data package for the KC-46A, which will not be provided to other potential offerors.
However, all responsible sources interested in responding to this notice may submit a capability statement. This statement must include:
- Information demonstrating responsibility in accordance with FAR Part 9.
- Specific exception to the intent to procure on a sole-source basis.
- Technical data showing the respondent's capabilities to perform the work.
- Past performance information on similar projects.
The capability statement must provide clear evidence to substantiate the ability to meet the requirement without substantial cost duplication or unacceptable delays. The Government will not award a contract based on this notice nor reimburse for response preparation costs.
Contact Information
- Primary: Ashley Pennington (ashley.pennington.2@us.af.mil)
- Secondary: Melissa Richardson (Melissa.Richardson.9@us.af.mil)