How to respond to the KC-135 maintenance and recovery RFI for the Air Force

What the Air Force is seeking

The Department of the Air Force is seeking information from vendors about global maintenance and recovery support for KC-135 aircraft. This is an RFI and sources-sought notice, not a bid award.

Vendors may care because the notice is a chance to provide information about their capabilities for this work. The detailed requirements are in controlled documents.

Deadline and what it means

Responses are due December 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central time, which is 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.

The deadline is for submitting an RFI response, not a contract award. Plan to submit by the stated time.

Who this opportunity may suit

This notice may suit firms that provide or support aircraft maintenance and recovery and can address global support for KC-135 aircraft.

To view the controlled documents, a company must have an active DD2345 Joint Certification Program certification on file.

How to access the documents

Open the opportunity through the bidding portal’s “View original source” option. If the first click opens the portal homepage, click the option again to reach the opportunity. A free portal account may be needed to view documents.

For the controlled documents on SAM.gov, you need a role assigned in SAM.gov. Request access to the documents and include your company’s CAGE code; leaving it out can delay the request. Access is granted if the company has an active DD2345 on file through the Joint Certification Program. If the certification is missing or inactive, it must be updated and active before access is granted.

For trouble viewing controlled documents, contact SAM.gov. The notice says government personnel cannot assist with assigning a SAM.gov role.

Prepare a clear RFI response

Review the controlled documents before drafting so your response addresses the Air Force’s stated information needs. Check that your company’s experience and capabilities relate directly to KC-135 maintenance and recovery support.

Use clear, specific examples to explain relevant capabilities, and distinguish work your firm performs from work it would rely on others to perform. Follow the response instructions in the RFI and leave time to submit before the deadline.