C-40C (B700) Fleet Expansion
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 (DAF), under the Department of Defense, is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for the C-40C (B700) Fleet Expansion. This RFI seeks to identify potential sources and gather information on the availability and modification of a single Boeing 737-700 series aircraft to a C-40C configuration. Responses are due by May 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.
Purpose
This RFI is for planning and market research purposes only, aiming to acquire a single, pre-owned Boeing 737-700 Increased Gross Weight (IGW) aircraft and perform the necessary engineering, integration, and modification to missionize it to a C-40C configuration. The goal is to transform a commercial aircraft into a Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft (MCDA) for high-priority Distinguished Visitor (DV) Airlift missions, with delivery no later than September 2029.
Scope of Work (Based on Draft SOW)
The anticipated scope involves:
- Aircraft Acquisition: Procuring a used Boeing 737-700 IGW airframe with at least 15 years of remaining service life.
- Configuration: Modifying the airframe to be functionally and technically equivalent to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) C-40C fleet.
- Flight Deck & Avionics: Installing a commercial "Glass Cockpit" design, including Dual FMS, Integrated GPS/IRS/ADIRU, TACAN, TCAS II, EGPWS, 5G-immune Radio Altimeters, APX-119 IFF Transponder (Mode 5), ARC-210 UHF, HUD, and Digital CVR/FDR.
- Communications Systems: Installing a suite for worldwide military and civil flight operations (UHF, HF, VHF, ACARS, INMARSAT, Starlink/Starshield provisions).
- Cybersecurity: Implementing Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 controls, including Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM).
- Technical Data & Sustainment: Delivering a complete technical data package, updated manuals, configuration management, and peculiar Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
- Exclusions: Interior cabin items, specific exterior paint schemes, and Self-Defense Systems (SDS) like LAIRCM are explicitly excluded.
Requested Information (from RFI)
Respondents are requested to provide detailed information on:
- Aircraft Details: Total flight hours, cycles, remaining structural life, recent heavy maintenance, full serial/tail numbers, operational history, and sourcing approach.
- Engine Details: Make, model, serial number, time/cycles since new, and remaining until overhaul, including replacement engine costs.
- Avionics & Mission Systems: Technical approach for integrating C-40C equivalent systems, provisions for GFP, military-unique systems (IFF Mode 5), FAA airworthiness, and a list of installed systems.
- Maintenance & Records: Summary of major repairs/alterations and confirmation of complete digital maintenance records.
- Cost & Pricing: Estimated market price, cost breakdown, and suggestions for contract incentive structures.
- Delivery: Proposed process, timeline, inspection location, and ferry flight inclusion.
- Modifications & Compliance: OEM relationships, incorporated modifications/STCs, compliance with FAA/military airworthiness directives, and experience with FAA certification/Military Flight Releases (MFR).
- Experience & Capabilities: Prime contractor and systems integrator experience with similar modifications, existing facilities, C-40C configuration feasibility, project schedule, risks, and mitigation.
- Vendor Information: CAGE code, past performance, RMF/ATO capabilities, SCRM approach, technical data package process, and small business inclusion plan.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC
- Published: May 6, 2026
Submission Instructions
Responses should be submitted electronically to bailey.calico@us.af.mil and kayona.hooks@us.af.mil. The subject line must be "Response to RFI [INSERT RFI NUMBER]: C-40C Fleet Expansion". Submissions should be in PDF or Microsoft Word compatible format, with a maximum page limit of 20 pages. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
Points of Contact
- Primary: Capt Bailey Calico (Procurement Contracting Officer) - Bailey.Calico@us.af.mil, 405-622-7719
- Secondary: Kayona Hooks (Contract Specialist) - kayona.hooks@us.af.mil, 405-739-4079
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are voluntary and will not be compensated. Submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel and DoW Contractor employees unless a written objection is provided.