SYNOPSIS- C-5 Aft Center Cargo Door "C" Models
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, AFSC PZAAB, is conducting market research via a Presolicitation/Request for Information (RFI) for the repair of C-5 Aft Center Cargo Doors ("C" Models), both Left-hand (NSN: 1560-01-296-6316UC, PN: 4F69010-101A) and Right-hand (NSN: 1560-01-297-9975UC, PN: 4F69010-102A). This effort aims to identify potential sources with the expertise, capabilities, and equipment to perform these complex overhauls. While the opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside, the government notes that ES3, Inc. is currently considered a sole source due to unique tooling and urgent delivery needs, and it has been deemed uneconomical to reverse engineer or acquire data rights. Responses to the RFI are due by June 5, 2026, 5:30 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves the overhaul of the C-5 Aft Center Cargo Doors, which are critical for cargo loading/unloading and are expected to be used until the aircraft's retirement in 2045. Key tasks include:
- Teardown and Inspection: Detailed visual inspections, identification of part numbers, listing missing/extraneous parts, and determining proposed repair methods.
- Repair: Evaluation and repair of corrosion damage, adherence to Lockheed drawings and numerous Technical Orders (T.O.s), with out-of-limits repairs requiring engineering disposition via AFMC Form 202.
- Technical Data Development: Contractors are required to create and submit a 3D "as-designed" model and develop a simplified overhaul manual, as the government currently lacks these for the item.
- First Unit Repair Verification (FURV): Comprehensive documentation of repairs, material analysis, process certifications, supplier quality reports, photo documentation, and creation of an "as-manufactured" 3D model with CAD comparison against the "as-designed" model.
- Logistics: Manufacturing new shipping containers if needed and installing IUID markings.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product Service Code: J016 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Aircraft Components And Accessories)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), though market research is assessing competitive repair options versus a known sole source.
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, 5:30 PM EST
- Published: May 21, 2026
- Place of Performance: Warner Robins, GA
Key Requirements & Considerations
The RMC/RMSC codes (R1/G for LHS, R2/G for RHS) indicate suitability for competitive repair, with the government possessing full technical data rights. However, the government currently identifies ES3, Inc. as the sole source due to specialized tooling and urgent delivery needs, and has determined that reverse engineering or acquiring data rights from other sources is uneconomical. The RFI specifically seeks information from potential sources, particularly small businesses, on their capabilities, potential teaming arrangements, and areas that could be exclusively set aside.
Submission & Contact
Interested parties must respond by the closing date, providing documentation to support their capability to meet the requirements. Further instructions for submission of information, interest, and questions are found in the attachment. This RFI includes a Statement of Objectives (SOO) and a Contractor Capability Survey. Responses are for market research purposes only and do not guarantee future contract awards. Primary Contact: LynTasia Harris (lyntasia.harris@us.af.mil) Secondary Contact: Karen Beckford (karen.beckford@us.af.mil)