Bid guide
How to bid on F-16 AN/APG-68 Radar Electron Tube Repair for the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Air Force is seeking sources for the repair of electron tubes, specifically part numbers 585R224H01 and 585R224H03. These electron tubes are critical components for the F-16 AN/APG-68 Radar Dual Mode Transmitter. This is a request for information (RFI) to identify potential suppliers for this specialized equipment repair.
For vendors, this represents an opportunity to become a qualified source for a vital defense component. Becoming a qualified source can lead to future contract awards for maintaining essential Air Force equipment.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This RFI was published on August 12, 2025. The deadline for responses is August 12, 2027, at 12:00 AM ET. This deadline is for submitting your intent to qualify and begin the qualification process.
To be eligible for a contract award, you must be fully qualified by the contract award date. The qualification process itself is estimated to take about 180 days. The award will not be delayed to allow a vendor to complete qualification.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms with specialized capabilities in repairing complex electronic equipment, particularly electron tubes for radar systems. Vendors should have or be able to access the necessary facilities, equipment, tooling, and personnel for repair, inspection, testing, packaging, and storage of these items.
Experience with military specifications and unique identification (UID) requirements (DFARS 211.274) is also important. This is an equipment repair opportunity within the defense sector.
How to respond and access details
To begin, you must notify the appropriate government Small Business Office or the contracting officer of your intent to qualify as a source for this electron tube. The full details and original source can be accessed by clicking the "View original source" link on the portal.
If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, an account is not required.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
The primary hurdle for this opportunity is source qualification. Be prepared to demonstrate your repair capabilities, provide a qualification article for testing, and incur estimated testing costs of $4,500 over approximately 180 days. Clearly document your facilities, equipment, and personnel.
Ensure you have a complete data package, including all relevant procedures, drawings, and specifications, such as Northrop Grumman drawing 585R224. Develop a detailed qualification test plan for government approval, outlining how you will verify compliance with all performance, environmental, mechanical, and quality assurance requirements. Note that some waivers to qualification requirements are available for experienced suppliers, so review these criteria carefully if applicable to your firm.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Air Force; the original posting controls.