Request for Interested Manufacturers of 4220-01-505-8727SO – Life Raft, Inflatable
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 DLA AVIATION AT WARNER ROBINS, GA, under the DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for the qualification and production of the Life Raft Unit – 33/A (LRU-33/A) 20 Person Life Raft, NSN 4220-01-505-8727S0, Part Number 65260-103. The government currently intends to award a sole source contract to Air Cruisers Company, LLC. Interested parties must respond by April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The LRU-33/A is a Multi-Place Life Raft (MPLR) designed to MIL-PRF-1894F to provide out-of-water support for up to 20 people abandoning aircraft at sea. It is used on MC-130J/HC-130J (4 rafts/80 personnel) and AC-130J (2 rafts/40 personnel) aircraft. Key features include a dual-tube, non-reversible design, self-erecting canopy, shatter-proof inflation system, insulated floor, self-inflating boarding ramps, water-activated lights, and a carrying case. It also includes ballast bags, a sea anchor, rainwater collector, foam block with cable guides, and retaining straps. The raft is constructed of urethane-coated nylon with thermo-bonded seams. The 46-person MPLR is unsuitable for Special Operations Forces (SOF)/Personnel Recovery (PR) C-130 series aircraft, making the LRU-33/A the only authorized MPLR for these platforms.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (intent to award sole source)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 30, 2026
- Published: April 23, 2026
- Intended Award: Sole source to Air Cruisers Company, LLC (CAGE: 70167)
- Procurement Method: Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by RFO 6.103-1 (Only One Responsible Source)
Impediment to Competition
Air Cruisers Company, LLC is the original equipment manufacturer and maintains the configuration. The government does not possess any releasable technical data (drawings, schematics), making Air Cruisers, LLC the only known source with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to produce this item and ensure compatibility.
Additional Notes
This is a sources sought synopsis for informational purposes only and is not a request for proposal or a commitment by the government. Responses are voluntary, and no funds are available for their preparation. Interested parties should email Eric Colvin at eric.colvin.1@us.af.mil and Rebecca Taylor at rebecca.taylor.21@us.af.mil.