How to bid on Case, Augmentor, Airc for the J85 Engine with the DEPT of Defense

What the Air Force is buying

The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research to find potential manufacturers for 18 new Case, Augmentor, Airc units. These units are for the J85 engine and have a National Stock Number (NSN) of 2840-01-245-9464OK and part number 6041T18G04. This is a new spares buy, not a repair requirement.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is to identify potential sources and determine if this effort can be competitive or set aside for small businesses. The Air Force will use the information gathered to decide on the best acquisition strategy. The units will be delivered to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Sources Sought notice was published on July 31, 2026. Responses are due by August 31, 2026, at 12:59 AM ET. All dates and times are Central Standard Time, Chicago, USA.

It is important to note that this is a market research notice, not a request for proposal or a solicitation for a contract. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice, and no funds are available to pay for the information solicited. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for manufacturing firms capable of producing aircraft engine components. The relevant Federal Stock Class is 2840 and the NAICS Code is 336412, which has a size standard of 1,500 employees.

The government is interested in responses from businesses of all sizes, including Large Businesses, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses (8(a)s), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Businesses, and Women-Owned Small Businesses.

How to respond

To be considered a participant in this market research effort, interested sources must select the “ADD ME TO INTERESTED VENDORS” button on the portal. There is no solicitation available at this time.

Potential sources wishing to be qualified to perform this requirement are REQUIRED to complete a Source Approval Request (SAR) package. Qualification Requirements (QRs) and an Engineering Data List (EDL), if applicable, are attached to the notice. The official synopsis of the QRs can be found by searching sam.gov for the keyword MQR-PSD-1.

SAR packages must be submitted electronically through DoD SAFE. If you have a PKI Certificate, you can send it directly to the provided POC email addresses via DoD SAFE. If not, send a standard email to the POC email addresses ([email protected] and 429SCMS.SASPO) asking them to “Request a Drop-Off” to your email address via DoD SAFE, which will allow you to upload your SAR submission.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all attached documents, including the Qualification Requirements (QRs) and Engineering Data List (EDL). If an EDL is absent, it means the government cannot provide technical data, and you will need to acquire it independently.

If drawings are listed on the EDL, submit requests for engineering drawings using an Excel spreadsheet to [email protected]. Ensure your SAR package thoroughly addresses all manufacturing capabilities, including procurement of component parts, inspection, testing, preservation/packaging, and shipping. Highlight your experience with supply chain management, logistics planning, and addressing diminishing manufacturing sources.

Understand that potential sources may be responsible for nonrecurring engineering costs to become an approved source. Clearly articulate your firm's ability to meet these requirements and demonstrate your technical and manufacturing readiness.