Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) II Harness Release Cartridge, Drogue Gun Cartridge, and Gyro Spin-Up Gas Generator
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 soliciting proposals for the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) II Harness Release Cartridge and Drogue Gun Cartridge. This unrestricted solicitation seeks a reliable source for the supply and sustainment of these critical aircraft egress system components, which are classified as Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) and Critical Safety Items (CSIs). Proposals are due June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST.
Scope of Work & Key Requirements
This solicitation, identified as FA8213-25-R-3026, is for "Explosives Manufacturing" under NAICS code 325920 (Size Standard: 750 employees). Key deliverables include the Harness Release CTG (NSN: 1377-01-649-5552 ES, DODIC: MD87) and Cartridge, Impulse Drogue Gun (NSN: 1377-01-652-2801 ES, Part Number: 1003-24).
Contractors must adhere to stringent requirements including:
- Packaging: Compliance with MIL-STD-2073-1, MIL-STD-129, and ISPM No. 15 for wood packaging material. Specific Special Packaging Instructions (SPIs) are provided for impulse cartridges and gas pressure generators.
- Item Marking: Mandatory Item Unique Identification (IUID) using Data Matrix ECC 200, per CAD/PAD Item Marking Instruction Version 1.6.
- Documentation: Preparation of Ammunition Data Cards (ADCs) via the Worldwide Ammunition-data Repository Program (WARP) per MIL-STD-1168, and submission of various Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items (e.g., ECPs, test plans/reports, production status).
- Quality: Higher Level Contract Quality Requirements (ISO 9001) are applicable. First Article Test/Inspection may be required for some items.
- Hazardous Materials: Compliance with international and U.S. regulations (ICAO, IATA, IMDG, 49 CFR, AFMAN 24-604) for hazardous material shipments.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Period of Performance: Delivery dates extend to May 2027 for some line items.
- Estimated Value: The total award amount is listed as $2,275,287.18, which may represent a previous award or an estimate.
- Place of Performance: Hill Air Force Base, UT, with deliveries to various international locations (e.g., Bahrain, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, NATO).
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due: June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST.
- Evaluation: Best-value source selection (FAR 15.3) based on an integrated assessment of Technical/Technical Risk and Cost/Price.
- Technical Factors: Subfactor 1 (Qualified Vendor - Acceptable/Unacceptable) and Subfactor 2 (Schedule - rated on clarity, execution approach, WBS, milestones, and realistic durations).
- Cost/Price Factor: Evaluated for reasonableness and Total Evaluated Price (TEP).
- Eligibility: The acquisition is unrestricted, but only qualified offerors will be considered. New sources must submit a qualification package for acceptance prior to award.
Notes
This solicitation has been amended multiple times, with the latest amendment (A4) extending the closing date. A subsequent amendment is anticipated to incorporate specific changes to the requirement. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain in full force and effect.