600-Gallon External Fuel Tank Assembly
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 is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) to identify potential sources for 600-Gallon External Fuel Tank Assemblies for the F-16 platform. This effort aims to enhance the F-16's unrefueled range and enable the use of modern standoff munitions. Responses are due by July 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern time.
Scope of Work
The F-16 System Program Office (SPO) requires an estimated 250 rail sets (totaling 500 tanks), including tanks, pylons, aircraft installation hardware, initial spares, Technical Orders (TOs)/engineering data, and specialized support equipment. The tanks must provide a minimum 600-gallon usable fuel capacity, be compatible with existing ground support, integrate with F-16 wing stations 4 and 6 (Post-Block 40/42/50/52 configurations), and be safely jettisonable via the F-16 Stores Management System (SMS). The assembly must increase range and loiter time while minimizing integration risks across all operational mission profiles.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Product Service Code: 1560 (Airframe Structural Components)
- NAICS: 336413 (Aircraft auxiliary parts manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: July 13, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: June 12, 2026
- Place of Performance: Hill Air Force Base, UT
Information Requested
Respondents are requested to submit detailed information on mature, Non-Developmental Items (NDI) that meet the stated requirements. Submissions should include:
- Company/Institute Name, Address, Point of Contact, CAGE Code, Web Page URL.
- Business size status (Small Business, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a)).
- Domestic or foreign ownership.
- Interest in acting as a prime or subcontractor.
- Product capabilities, specifications, and how they meet performance requirements.
- Supporting documentation (pictures, videos, drawings, test results).
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, including development costs if applicable.
- Details on existing Government contracts for similar work or commercial solutions.
- Warranty terms, spare parts, training details, potential product improvements, and associated risks.
- Explanation of how FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-33 would be met if set aside for small business.
Additional Notes
This SSS is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse expenses for responses. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages and must clearly mark proprietary data. Broad industry participation, including U.S. and non-U.S. firms, is encouraged. Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.gov for future DOD contract awards. Responses are to be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager.
Primary Contact: Heike Bell, Contracting Officer, heike.bell.1@us.af.mil, 801-586-3404.