Large Penetrator Warhead Case Assembly Production

Pre-Solicitation Notice / Draft Solicitation

This notice serves as a pre-solicitation notice and release of draft solicitation documents for the Large Penetrator Warhead Case Assembly Production. The Air Force Materiel Command plans to award a firm-fixed price/Cost-type multiple award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract for this production. Manufacturing will be in accordance with Government-owned Technical Data Packages (TDPs).

• Production of Large Penetrator Warhead Cases and all components.

• Manufacturing must adhere to Government-owned Technical Data Packages (TDPs).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price/Cost-type multiple award IDIQ.

• Anticipated Award Date: On or about June 24, 2026.

• This is a notice for draft solicitation documents; the future RFP will contain submission instructions.

• Interested parties are encouraged to review draft documents and provide comments/questions.

• Comments and questions are due by 2:00 P.M. CDT on June 4, 2026.

• NAICS Code: 332993 (size standard of 1,500 employees).

• Foreign participation is NOT authorized as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

• To receive draft solicitation documents, vendors must be registered and active in the Joint Certification Program (JCP) and submit a valid DD Form 2345.

• TDPs will only be provided to contractors active in the JCP. Instructions for requesting TDPs will be in the future RFP.

• No hard copy of the solicitation will be provided.

• Future information will be posted on SAM.gov.

• It is advised to update and file DD Form 2345 if intending to participate.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Large Penetrator Warhead Cases Sources Sought" for market research purposes.

• Quantities: The government is currently in the sources sought/market research phase and does not know the quantities for each scaled size at this time.
• Scope of Response: Vendors are instructed to respond to all specifications and drawings provided, not just the cases themselves. This includes subcomponents and shipping fixtures as indicated in the drawings for the full-scale warhead.

This Q&A clarifies the scope of information required from vendors during the market research phase. It confirms that a comprehensive response covering all provided specifications and drawings is expected.

Sources Sought / Market Research

This Sources Sought notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an invitation for bid (IFB) or request for proposal (RFP). The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate, Attack Division (AFLCMC/EBD) is conducting market research to analyze industry capabilities for providing Large Penetrator warhead cases. The government is seeking information on potential sources capable of manufacturing these cases from various steels, including 4340, HP9-4-20, AF96, or novel alloys.

• Manufacture and deliver empty Large Penetrator warhead cases.

• Cases should be made from specified steels or potential developmental novel alloys.

• The government desires contractors to forge, manufacture, machine, and ship cases weighing approximately 2,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs.

• Respondents must demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in weapon manufacturing and successful management of government contracts.

• Respondents must possess or have access to necessary equipment, data, personnel, facilities, and financial resources.

• Responses must show high-level manufacturing processes and techniques demonstrating understanding of metallurgical and engineering aspects.

• No contract type, period of performance, or estimated value is stated as this is a Sources Sought notice.

• Interested vendors must submit a capabilities statement demonstrating their ability to meet the stated requirement.

• The capabilities statement should be brief, concise, and not exceed 10 single-spaced, 10-point font typed pages.

• Acceptable file formats for attachments are .pdf, .docx, and .xlsx. .zip and .exe files are not allowable.

• Responses are due no later than 2:00 P.M. (CST), 10 February 2026.

• Submissions are to be sent electronically to Steven Wagner (steven.wagner.13@us.af.mil) and Christy Cross (christy.cross.2@us.af.mil).

• All correspondence via email must include the subject line "26LGPENSTEEL."

• To receive technical drawings and specifications, interested parties must submit a request with a valid DD Form 2345 to Steven Wagner and Christy Cross no later than 2:00 P.M. (CST), 21 JANUARY 2026.

• The NAICS Code is 332993 – Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,500 employees.

• Small businesses are encouraged to respond, including those capable of manufacturing a portion of the requirement.

• Respondents must indicate their size and socio-economic status (e.g., SB, 8(a), HUBZone, EDWOSB, WOSB, SDVOSB).

• Foreign-owned/Foreign-controlled firms shall not be considered.

• The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses.

• All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• This notice is for market research only and does not guarantee a future solicitation.

• Responses are voluntary and will not affect a potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released.

• The Government is not liable for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting responses.

• Information submitted will be used to determine if interested and qualified sources exist.

• Respondents should indicate any objections to releasing proprietary data to non-Government advisors supporting the acquisition.