600-Gallon External Fuel Tank Assembly

NOTICE: 

1.    This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is issued for informal purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expense associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, Statement of Work (SOW)/Statement of Objectives (SOO), and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE: 

1.The F-16 platform requires enhanced unrefueled range to meet evolving requirements that exceed the capability of the standard 370-gallon external fuel tank configuration.
a.  The integration of 600-gallon external fuel tanks on wing stations four and six is necessary to significantly increase the aircraft's fuel capacity. This capability will allow the F-16 to successfully employ modern, heavy standoff munitions at extended ranges and achieve modernized tactical ferry range objectives of an increased range, when utilized in conjunction.

REQUIREMENT:

1. The F-16 System Program Office (SPO) has a requirement to procure an estimated 250 rail sets (totaling 500 tanks), to include the tanks, pylons, required aircraft installation hardware, initial spares, Technical Orders (TOs)/engineering data, and specialized support equipment.

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
1.The procured assembly must increase range and loiter time while minimizing integration risks. The desired functional characteristics are as follows:
a.  Capacity: The tanks must provide a minimum 600-gallon usable fuel capacity.
b.  Compatibility: The tanks and pylons must be compatible with existing ground support and fuel tank loading equipment.
c.  Integration: The tanks must be capable of being loaded and structurally supported on F-16 wing stations 4 and 6 (specifically targeting Post-Block 40/42/50/52 configurations).
d.  Jettison: The tank assembly must integrate seamlessly with the F-16 Stores Management System (SMS) and be able to be safely jettisoned.
e.  Operational Environment: The tanks must be capable of operating across the full spectrum of operational mission profiles.

INFORMATION REQUEST FROM INDUSTRY:

1.Through this SSS, the F-16 SPO is requesting detailed information concerning mature, Non-Developmental Items (NDI) that meet the requirements stated above. The Vendor should structure their White Paper responses to directly address the categories in the table below.
2.All possible offerors are strongly encouraged to submit information supporting this request. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS:

1.Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:
a.  Respondent Data:
Company/Institute Name
Address
Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address)
CAGE Code
Web Page URL

b.  Pursuant to NAICS Codes 336413, Aircraft auxiliary parts (crop dusting, external fuel tanks, inflight refueling equipment manufacturing, state whether the company is:

(1)  Small Business                                                                            (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(2)  Women-Owned Small Business                                                  (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(3)  Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business   (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(4)  HUBZone Certified                                                                      (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(5)  Veteran Owned Small Business                                                  (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(6)  Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business                      (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(7)  8(a) Certified                                                                                (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified
(8)  SBA Certification Date:                                                                SBA Graduation Date______________________

c.  State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership). Foreign or foreign-owned offerors are advised that their participation is subject to foreign disclosure review procedures and restrictions that could preclude their participation in this announcement. 
d. State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.
e. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.
f. Responses may include but are not limited to:
1)    Pictures
2)    Training videos
3)    Architecture views
4)    Drawings
5)    Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems
6)    Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements
7)    Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

g. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner). If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.
 h. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.
 i. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.
 j. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.
 k. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.
 l. Provide the details of training including process and cost.
 m. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.
 n. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.
 o. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business.
RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
1.    The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response.
2.    Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail.
3.     Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly releasable.
4.    Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this SSS.
5.    If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing Government contract, please identify the contract and a Government POC.
6. Broad industry participation for this SSS is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.
7. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract. To learn more, visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM
8. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 13 July 2026 via email to:

Heike Bell
AFLCMC/WAMKD
Contracting Officer
Heike.bell.1@us.af.mil

Jennifer Eagle
AFLCMC/WAMRB
Program Manager
Jennifer.eagle.5@us.af.mil

9. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer.
10. This is a SSS only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the SSS is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this SSS should not be construed as creating such commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.