Special Operation Forces (SOF) Aircraft (C-130J) Logistics Sustainment Support (SALSS)
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 has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp a sole-source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Special Operation Forces (SOF) Aircraft (C-130J) Logistics Sustainment Support (SALSS). This award, justified under Other Than Full and Open Competition, ensures critical sustainment for the SOF C-130J fleet. The contract has a potential duration of five years, with ordering periods extending through August 2029.
Scope of Work
The SALSS IDIQ covers comprehensive sustainment and logistical support for SOF C-130J aircraft (AC/HC/MC variants). Key services include program management, engineering support, technical data management, rapid response, repairs, spares/material provisioning, modifications, diminishing manufacturing sources management, and contractor travel. This effort requires access to proprietary information, design data, testing history, and evaluation tools unique to the C-130J.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole-Source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Contract Structure: Combination of Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), and Cost Reimbursement No Fee (CRNF)
- Duration: Five years, consisting of a 12-month basic ordering period and four annual ordering periods. Orders may be placed from August 18, 2023, through August 17, 2029.
- Set-Aside: Other Than Full and Open Competition (FAR 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source)
- Award Date: Published April 3, 2026 (actual award date August 18, 2023)
- NAICS Code: 336411 - Aircraft Manufacturing
Evaluation
This award was made on a sole-source basis to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company (LMAC) due to their unique qualifications as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and design authority for the C-130J. Market research, including a Sources Sought/RFI, identified LMAC as the only capable respondent. LMAC possesses exclusive access to the necessary technical expertise, data, software, and utility programs required for diagnosing failures and sustaining these aircraft variants. Reverse engineering the C-130J system was deemed technically and financially infeasible.
Additional Notes
The government plans to inquire with LMAC about the possibility of selling the technical data package to promote future competition for these services.