OA-1K Travel/Mobility Pods
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, through the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) and 17th Flying Training Unit (FTU), is conducting market research for commercial travel/mobility pods for their new OA-1K aircraft. This Sources Sought notice aims to identify potential solutions for external storage pods that can adapt to existing pylons and meet specific operational requirements. Responses are due June 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for external storage mobility pods to enable aircrew to carry essential equipment and personal items during missions and Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments. The pods must be compatible with BRU-71/A aircraft ejector release units and must not interfere with the OA-1K's flight control surfaces or landing gear. The pylon attachment will require a standard 14-inch lug spacing, and the pod must feature accessible doors for storage. Similar known market products include the MXU-648 and Kihomac ACE pods.
Key Requirements
- Quantity: 3 pods
- Dimensions:
- Maximum overall length: <= 130 inches
- Maximum overall width: <= 22.5 inches
- Maximum overall depth: <= 28.8 inches
- Stowable length: > 75 inches
- Usable Volume: > 9.0 ft³
- Cargo Capacity: Empty weight ratio of 1.9 or greater
- Features: Adjustable strap tie-down, external handles, corrosion-resistant primary structure (composite, aluminum, or hybrid), locking mechanism, and Center of Gravity Markings on the internal floor.
- Technical Data Package (TDP): Must include store drawings, weight, CG location, mass moments of inertia, allowable CG ranges, structural/aerodynamic analysis/test results, qualification test data, and maintenance instructions.
- Technical Data Rights: Offerors must propose to deliver all technical data, computer software, and flight-safety/qualification documentation with Government Purpose Rights (GPR) or better.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM Z
- Published: June 4, 2026
Additional Notes
This is for market research purposes only, and no awards will be made from this posting. Companies with commercially available products that might meet these requirements are requested to provide literature/capabilities along with company information and a capabilities statement. Delivery of any procured pods is expected within 60 days of contract award.