How to bid on metallic aircraft seals for F110 engines with the Air Force

What the Air Force is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research to identify potential sources for the new manufacture of metallic aircraft seals for the F110 engine. The specific item is part number 1441M38G06, NSN 2840-01-308-7046PR.

This effort involves manufacturing, inspection, testing, preservation, packaging, and shipping of these seals. Potential sources may also be responsible for supply chain management, logistics planning, forecasting production, and addressing diminishing manufacturing sources. This is a new spares buy requirement for Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. While this is not a solicitation, responding helps the Air Force determine its acquisition strategy, which could lead to future contract opportunities.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) 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.

This is a sources-sought notice, not a solicitation or a contract offer. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this market research, and no funds are available for the information solicited. The information gathered will help the Air Force determine the best acquisition strategy for this requirement, including whether it can be competitive or set aside for small businesses.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses capable of manufacturing metallic aircraft seals, specifically for the F110 engine. The NAICS code for this effort is 336412, Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing, with 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 this RFI

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, and requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. 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 QRs can be found by searching sam.gov for the keyword MQR-PSD-1.

SAR packages must be submitted electronically through DoD SAFE (safe.apps.mil). If you have a PKI Certificate, the SAR can be sent directly to the workflow email [email protected]. If you do not have a PKI Certificate, you must send a standard email message to the workflow email and ask them to “Request a Drop-Off” to your email address via DoD SAFE.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the Qualification Requirements (QRs) and Engineering Data List (EDL) provided with the notice. 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]. For questions regarding the Tinker SAR Process, contact the AFSC Small Business Office at [email protected].

Ensure your SAR package clearly demonstrates your capability to furnish all labor, materials, facilities, and equipment for new manufacture, inspection, testing, preservation/packaging, and shipping. Highlight any experience with supply chain management, logistics planning, and addressing manufacturing challenges.