Request for Interested Manufacturers of the C-130 Aft Emergency Exit Door Assembly

ITEM DESCRIPTION: The Aft Escape Hatch is utilized on many United States (US) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aircraft to include C-130H, LC130-H, EC-130H, C-130J, EC-130J, MC-130J, HC-130J, WC130-J, and AC130-J. The Hatch is an integrated part of the aircrafts external structure. It is made of an aluminum exterior skin, frame, diaphragm, and has pressure and weather seals. This hatch serves as a personnel emergency escape hatch during egress. The Escape Hatch has elastic bungees and an internal locking mechanism that allows for rapid emergency de-pressurization of the aircraft. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has limited data right to the technical drawings.

IMPEDIMENT TO COMPETITION: The original equipment manufacturer for this item is Lockheed Martin Corp (CAGE: 98897). Lockheed Martin’s escape hatches are the only approved hatches for use on the C-130s. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement. Lockheed Martin has been unwilling to sell the data rights. All previous procurement contracts have been sole source with Lockheed Martin.

INTEREST: The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Lockheed Martin for the manufacture of the C-130 Aft Escape Hatch in support of the C-130 Structures Program. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 25 November 2026 by emailing Adam Jones at [email protected] and Rebecca Taylor at [email protected]. The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by RFO 6.103-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

DISCLAIMER: This Sources Sought Synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.