Request for Interested Manufacturers for NSN: 1680-01-181-4175MH; Noun: Load Arrestor

SUBJECT:Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the Cylinder Retractable, Assembly also known as the Load Arrestor, NSN 1680-01-181-4175MH, PN 1171-3.ITEM DESCRIPTION:The load arrestor is a structural strengthening device that supports the upper part of the ejection seat carriage when the crew member seat is subjected to forward structural (deceleration) loads that could cause seat carriage deflection. The Load Arrestor is a Military Unique and Critical Safety Item (CSI). It is highly specialized because it contains special characteristics which, if not conforming to the design and operation of the part, could result in severe injury to the aircrew or loss of life. The commercial industry does not use ejection seats and therefore does not have the same requirements for a load arrestor.IMPEDIMENT TO COMPETITION: The original equipment

manufacturer for this item is Collins Aerospace (formerly known as Universal Propulsion) (CAGE 17610), which maintains its configuration by part number. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement. As a result, Collins Aerospace is the only known source with adequate knowledge of the load arrestor's performance requirements and possession of the required technical data and capabilities needed to produce this item and ensure compatibility of the equipment INTERESTThe DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Collins Aerospace for the manufacturer of the load arrestor in support of the B1-B ejection seat carriage. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 21 October 2019 by emailing Tonett Pendleton tonett.pendleton@us.af.mil and dla.dlr.proc@us.af.mil. The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.DISCLAIMERThis 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.