BQM-34S Engine Repair, Overhaul and Conversion

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from companies capable of repairing, overhauling, and testing General Electric (GE) J85-GE-100 turbojet engines, and converting J85-GE-5 engines to the J85-GE-100 configuration. These engines support the BQM-34S Subsonic Aerial Target program. The USN requires this capability by 2026 to maintain the BQM-34S in a 'Ready for Issue' status.

• Repair, overhaul, and test of Government-owned J85-GE-5 and J85-GE-100 engines to a 'Ready for Issue' status.

• Conversion of Government-provided J85-GE-5 engines to the J85-GE-100 configuration.

• Capability to source parts for J85 engines.

• Availability of J85 repair manuals and procedures.

• Potential need for government-furnished property, information, special tooling, or support equipment.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to contract.

• Buy American Act provisions will apply.

• Interested parties should submit a white paper addressing specific questions regarding their capabilities, facilities, experience, and capacity.

• White papers are due no later than May 8, 2026, 17:00 EDT.

• Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and sent via email to marianne.g.wild.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked and segregated.

• Responders may be required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with USN support contractors.

• The RFI requests information on business types (large, small, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) based on NAICS code 336419 (Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing).

• All costs associated with responding to this RFI are at the interested party's expense.

• Not responding does not preclude future participation if an RFP is issued.

• Any future solicitation will be synopsized on SAM.gov.

• Questions regarding the RFI should be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from interested companies capable of repairing, overhauling, and testing General Electric (GE) J85-GE-100 turbojet engines, and converting J85-GE-5 turbojet engines into the J85-GE-100 configuration. These engines are for the BQM-34S Subsonic Aerial Target program. The U.S. Navy (USN) requires an established engine repair and overhaul capability by 2026 to support BQM-34S target operations.

• This is an RFI ONLY: It is for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to contract. No proposals will be accepted at this time, and the Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding.
• Buy American Act: Provisions will apply to this program.

Respondents should address the following:

• Capability to inspect, repair/refurbish to "Ready for Issue" status, and perform post-repair acceptance testing on Government-owned J85-GE-5 and J85-GE-100 engines.

• Existence, location, and capabilities of repair and overhaul facilities.

• Current and projected repair/overhaul capabilities and throughput rates, including any minimum cycle rate required for competition.

• Experience with General Electric J85 series engines (past or present).

• Availability of J85 repair manuals and procedures.

• Estimated time to establish repair, overhaul, or conversion capability and to service current engine inventory.

• Capability to convert J85-GE-5 engines to J85-GE-100 configuration, referencing the PPC-50 document (available upon request).

• Access to J85-GE-5 spare parts.

• Experience with J85 engine conversions and associated throughput.

• Established Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP).

• Need for Government-furnished property or information beyond provided engines and PPC-50.

• Need for Government-provided special tooling or support equipment.

• Availability of special tooling and support equipment, or requirement to develop/procure it.

• Relationships with sub-contractors for special tooling/support equipment.

• Plans for handling workload, facility expansion, technician hiring, and part supplier relationships.

• Ability to handle and store classified information up to Secret.

• Format: White paper in Microsoft Word or .pdf.

• Deadline: 02 December 2025, 17:00 EDT.

• Submission Method: Email to marinanne.g.wild.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Content: Section 1 includes administrative information (contact details, contracting strategy, business type). Section 2 addresses the requested information (max 50 pages).

• Proprietary Information: Minimize and clearly mark. Submissions become Government property.

Submit written questions via email to the Contracting Officer by 01 November 2025. Answers will be posted on www.sam.gov.

• The information in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.
• Not responding to this RFI does not preclude future participation.