How to bid on Manufacturing of Explosive Shape Charges for F-16 Spin Chute Recovery System

What the Air Force is buying and why it matters

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, F-16 Program Office, is conducting market research to find qualified manufacturers for explosive shape charges. These charges are a critical component of the F-16 Spin Chute Recovery System, an emergency safety system used during high Angle of Attack (AoA) flight tests.

The original manufacturer no longer produces this part, and the government needs a new source to support upcoming flight test schedules. This is an opportunity for manufacturers with expertise in sensitive explosives to potentially secure a 24-month Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 11, 2026. Responses are due by October 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. This deadline is 30 days from the publication date.

This is market research, not a request for proposals. The Air Force will use the submitted capability statements to determine the best acquisition strategy for a future solicitation, including whether to set it aside for small businesses.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for manufacturers specializing in explosives, particularly those with experience in Cartridge Actuated Devices / Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) or lead-sheathed PBXN-5 linear shaped charges. The NAICS code is 325920 (Explosives Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

Vendors must be able to safely handle and manufacture sensitive explosives like Lead Azide and RDX, meet ITAR requirements, and have appropriate facility clearances. Small businesses, SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, and WOSB firms are specifically encouraged to respond.

How to respond to this RFI

To respond, you need to submit a capability statement that addresses specific areas outlined in the RFI. This includes your company information (name, address, CAGE, UEI, business size, socioeconomic status, security/facility clearances, and point of contact) and your technical and manufacturing capabilities.

Your capability statement must explicitly detail your experience with energetics and explosives manufacturing, your ability to handle sensitive energetics (Lead Azide and RDX) in accordance with DoD 4145.26-M, and your experience with build-to-print execution from third-party Technical Data Packages (TDPs). Responses are limited to 10 pages.

Due to export-control restrictions (ITAR), the full TDP and associated drawings will not be posted publicly. To request access, you must contact the points of contact listed in the RFI and possess an approved and active DD Form 2345 (Military Critical Technical Data Agreement).

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly and concisely address each requested item in the RFI. Since this is market research, the Air Force is looking for a clear understanding of your firm's capabilities and experience relevant to the specific requirements.

Highlight your experience with similar high-precision, cartridge-actuated explosive devices and your adherence to safety standards for handling sensitive materials. Provide specific examples of past projects or capabilities that demonstrate your ability to meet the technical requirements.

Ensure your capability statement is well-organized and easy to read, staying within the 10-page limit. Emphasize any certifications, licenses, or facility clearances that are directly relevant to manufacturing military-grade explosives and handling controlled technical data.