The 2025 National Defense Authorization limits divestment of F-15 and F-22 aircraft in order to maintain current fleet levels. In 2022 DOD planned to reduce the inventory of these aircraft in order to redirect those funds to newer programs. Unfortunately those older planes are still needed to keep adequate force levels.
The retirement of the oldest aircraft was decided because of the high costs that it would take to upgrade those fighters, so their retirement would free up resources to upgrade the rest of the two fleets.
The NDAA states:
Sec. 8164 prohibits divesting or prepare to divest any F-15 aircraft unless the Secretary of Defense certifies
to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate that such aircraft will
be replaced in a manner that maintains the current total aircraft assigned at a given unit and the readiness of
such unit.
The F-15E Strike Eagle fighters currently in service have two different engines, specifically 119 F-15Es powered by the Pratt&Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan and 99 powered by the F100-PW-229. The newer -229 engines have a thrust rating of 29,000 lb, while the older -220 stops to 23,500 lb.
The Air Force planned to divest all Strike Eagles with the -220 engine by FY28, shrinking the fleet from 218 to 99 aircraft, using the freed-up resources to upgrade those 99 aircraft. The FY24 NDAA already limited the number of aircraft that could be retired from 119 to 68.
The FY25 NDAA is going to prevent the divestment of all 119 aircraft from happening for the foreseeable future, according to lawmakers.
For those with contracts relating to the F-15E and EX, it looks like you have a few more years of this business.
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DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation which will result in an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) for supply of fairings (NSN 1560-00-738-0791) for the KC-135 aircraft. The resulting contract will last for five years ordering an estimated quantity of 200 units over that time. The Boeing part number for this item is 65-1257-19. Technical data is available for this item so new companies can compete.
The last company to supply this item to the military was Aerometals, Inc. which sold 24 units for $2,672ea. The only other supplier in the last 20 years was IBP consulting which sent in a single unit (likely first article). Recent solicitations for this item have received only one offer.
We estimate the value of this contract at $534,000. Vendors have 365 days from order to delivery of goods.
All offers are due by March 24, 2025.
To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE4A7-25-R-0329 into Search for Anything at the top.
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DOD has discovered that FAR regulations and the traditional contracting process stand in the way of innovation. The U.S. Military is facing competition from other nations and must look to industry for ways to increase production capacity, streamline maintenance, and develop new technologies.
Defense contracting is governed by a set of rules called the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). These rules are designed to foster competition which saves the government money, but severely limits interaction between the military and industry. Companies find it difficult to reach end users because FAR regulations encourage contractors to communicate with contracting officers.
What is an OTA?
OTA was created to give DOD the flexibility necessary to adopt and incorporate business practices that reflect commercial industry standards and best practices into its award instrument. When leveraged appropriately, OTs provide the Government with access to state-of-the-art technology solutions from traditional and non-traditional defense contractors (NDCs), through a multitude of potential teaming arrangements tailored to the particular project and the needs of the participants.
OTAs are a contracting vehicle which is available when FAR based procurement, grants, and cooperative agreements are not applicable. An OTA allows the government to interact with industry without interference from FAR, DFAR, and the Competition In Contracting Act (CICA). It can be used to finance R&D projects, prototypes, and implementation. There are three types of OTAs:
– Research OTs: Authorized under 10 U.S.C. §4021 for basic, applied, and advanced research projects. These OTs are intended to spur dual-use research and development(R&D), taking advantage of economies of scale without burdening companies with Government regulatory overhead, which would make them non- competitive in the commercial (non-defense) sector.
– Prototype OTs: Authorized under 10 U.S.C. §4022 to acquire prototype capabilities and allow for those prototypes to transition into Production OTs. Both dual-use and defense-specific projects are encouraged under section 4022. Per statute, successful Prototype OTs offer a streamlined method for transitioning into follow-on production without further competition.
– Production OTs: Authorized under 10 U.S.C. §4022(f) as follow-on OTs to a Prototype OT agreement that was competitively awarded and successfully completed. The memo entitled “Definitions and Requirements for Other Transactions” (see Appendix E for policy documents and links) requires organizations soliciting for and awarding a Prototype OT to consider the possibility of a follow-on effort and provide notice to performers in the solicitation and awarded agreements that the Government may choose to go directly into production under this authority without additional competition.
The 2025 Defense Authorization has set-aside billions for R&D and implementation to improve U.S. military capability and readiness. Any agency that can award contracts has an Agreements Officer (AO) who can draft OTAs.
DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for supply of radiators used in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and the Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS). Technical data is available for this item so new contractors can participate. There has been only one supplier of this item in the last five years so DLA will welcome new offers.
This radiator NSN 2930-01-423-5011 is interchangeable with 2930-01-118-2885 and 2930-01-571-1945. It was last sold to the military by Linmarr Associates for $21,499 each in quantity of 93. The current solicitation requires 92 units.
A Source Approval Request (SAR) is required for this item if the supplier is not on the list of approved sources. The government is leaving plenty of time for new contractors to submit a first article for testing:
CONTRACT TIMELINE:
90 Days for submission of CLIN 002 FAT units(s) or FAT report.
30 Days for Government approval/disapproval of FAT.
245 Days after approval of FAT for delivery of CLIN 0001
————
365 Days ADO Total for delivery of CLIN 0001 (245 Days if FAT waived).
All offers are due by February 18, 2025.
To learn more, log into BidLink and put SPE7L3-25-R-0007 into Search for Anything at the top.
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DOD is looking for innovation and regularly offers SBIR / STTR grants. The DSIP website lists the areas in which DLA would like to fund innovation. New topics are added every month.
Currently there are 130 topics including advanced batteries, composite materials, antenna systems, HVAC, sensors, and more.
SBIR grants are broken into two phases. Phase I is prototyping and early design, phase II funds commercialization. These funds can be used to develop something to help the military which could potentially also be sold to the private sector. Whe not have the government help fund R&D for your next innovation?
The Defense SBIR / STTR innovation portal is here:
2022 Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Supplier Conference and Exhibition in downtown Columbus..
DLA has been increasing industry outreach by hosting in-person events. Below are a list of upcoming symposiums.
December 10-13, 2024, Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT.
DLA Booth #703
The Maintenance Symposium is the only official DoD event conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense that is entirely focused on the maintenance and sustainment of weapon systems and equipment. The Symposium is the premier forum for the exchange of ideas from the greatest maintenance and logistics minds in the country as participants discuss the pacing national security threats to the sustainment enterprise. Home – 2024 Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium (cvent.com)
February 11-13, 2025, 39th Annual National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) National Logistics Forum
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at Sea World, Orlando, FL
Prepare yourself and your organization for the future of contested logistics by connecting with leaders and innovators at the 39th Annual National Logistics Forum. For nearly four decades, the NDIA Logistics Forum has been a focal point for industry leaders, defense officials, senior acquisition experts, coalition partners, and logistics and financial leaders. https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/2/11/5730—logistics-forum
March 3-5, 2025, Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Air Warfare Symposium
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, CO
DLA Booth 937
The AFA Warfare Symposium is a premier professional development event for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and the aerospace and defense industry that supports them, with a focus on the critical concerns and challenges of joint warfare in every corner of the globe. Drawing speakers from USAF, USSF, combatant commands, industry, and the joint force, the symposium provides opportunities to network and explore dynamic exhibits. https://www.afa.org/afa-warfare-symposium/
March 25- 27, 2025, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Global Symposium
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL.
With over 6,000 participants, AUSA Global Force Symposium facilitates Army cooperation with academia and industry partners for Multi Domain Operations and a modernized defense industrial base. It places a strong emphasis on expediting the acquisition process and making investments in the infrastructure, facilities, training, and skill sets needed throughout the Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise. https://meetings.ausa.org/globalforce/2025/
April 6-9, 2025, Sea, Air & Space
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
Navy League of the United States, Sea, Air & Space is the premier maritime exposition in the U.S., bringing together defense industry leaders and top military decision-makers from around the world to share the latest advancements in the maritime domain. With industry leading speakers and events featured across three impactful days, Sea, Air & Space is a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of U.S. maritime strength and innovation. https://seaairspace.org/
April 29- May 1, 2025, Modern Day Marine (MDM)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services, and technology exposition exclusively targeted to Marines and the Corps. The show floor hosts more than 350 exhibitors displaying the latest warfighting innovations and technology, presentations from influential Marines and DoD personnel, the OBJ1 Wargaming Convention, and more. https://marinemilitaryexpos.com/
May 5-8, 2025, Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL
DLA Booth: 310
SOF Week is an annual conference for the international SOF community to learn, connect, and honor its members. Jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation. SOF Week 2025 aims to be the premier global gathering of Special Operations Forces, industry leaders, and strategic partners. The event aims to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence by showcasing the advanced capabilities and strategies that define modern special operations. https://event.sofweek.org/event/461ba942-5adb-45cf-a9e5-e8e40dd9305c/home
June 11-12, 2025, DLA Supply Chain Alliance Conference & Exhibition
Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA
This event is hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency. With an emphasis on the National Military Strategy’s sustainability components, the two-day gathering will bring together leaders from the government and business community to talk about present and upcoming issues. Hear firsthand from several General/Flag officers, senior DoD officials, and top industry executives. Additionally, we will be organizing networking opportunities, assisting Small Business Matchmaking, and holding breakout seminars on a range of subjects. https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/6/11/5781—dla
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The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has issued a solicitation for lighting panels used in the F-16 aircraft. Technical data is available for NSN 6220-01-459-1508 so other companies can compete.
Currently two suppliers have been competing for this business over the last 15 years. The panel was last sold to the military by Richard Manufacturing for $12,231 ea in quantity of 51. The other competitor was Interconnect Wiring. The unit price has almost doubled since FY 2018.
The current solicitation is for a quantity of 79 units. Based on past procurement history we estimate the contract value at just under $1 Million.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-0307 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
All offers are due by November 26, 2024. Vendors have 496 days from award to deliver the goods. A Source Approval Request (SAR) must be submitted along with your offer.
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DLA Aviation ASC Commodities Division has issued a solicitation which will result in a five year contract for supply of refrigerant recovery systems. This 1HP commercial system, NSN 4250-01-562-9531 is produced by CPS Products (part CR700). As of last year, DLA has set aside procurement for this item to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) as described in FAR 19.14.
It was last sold to the military for $814ea in quantity of 146 units by Makpak, Inc. (SDVOB). The manufacturer CPS products is no longer active in SAM and does not satisfy the SDVOB requirement, providing an opportunity for disabled veterans.
This current solicitation has three base years and two option years. Quantities for years 1-3 are 29ea, 4+5 are 114ea. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at $256,410.
NON-MANUFACTURE RULE
When DOD sets aside a solicitation for disadvantaged businesses it may determine that there are no small businesses that can produce the item. This is when the buyer may waive the non-manufacture rule (FAR 52.219-33, SBA description). This allows companies that fit the set-aside requirement to re-sell another manufacturer’s item, essentially letting DOD direct this business to the disadvantaged group.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A5-24-R-0162 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Land and Maritime has issued a solicitation for supply of 4,788 D-Cell batteries used in fire suppression systems. This 3.9v lithium battery, NSN 6135-01-142-6456 has a pig tail connector with protection fuse embedded.
These batteries were last sold to the military by Battery Specialties for $194 each in quantity of 1,922. Other suppliers include ECI Defense Group, Netkomp, and Kampi Components. Based on past procurement history pricing we estimate the value of this contract at just under $1 Million.
Vendors have 220 days from date of award to deliver the whole quantity. All offers are due by July 10, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE7L1-24-R-0043 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
DLA Aviation has issued a solicitation for cable assemblies used in the SATCOM system. This 100 foot cable NSN 5995-01-598-6039 has three branches, two 90 degree connectors and one straight type E. It’s part of an installation and equipment kit NSN 7010-01-590-5528. The resulting contract will have two base years and three options for a total of five years. The total estimated quantity over this term is 4,165.
Northrop Grumman is the OEM. The last company to supply these to the military was Opti Manufacturing which sold them for $439 each in quantity of 250. They are a minority owed, disadvantaged small business. Other suppliers include Phillip Cable, Certified Manufacturing and Custom Cable.
Technical data is available on this item so new companies can compete. There is a long time until the solicitation due date of June 24, 2024.
To learn more about this opportunity, log into BidLink and put SPE4A6-24-R-0167 into the “Search for Anything” box. More solicitations like this can be found using BidLink’s intelligent solicitation search.
Tired of DIBBS / SAM and bid services that don’t understand defense contracting? Try BidLink for free at www.bidlink.net.
