Bid guide
How to bid on Inflight Refueling Shrouds for KC-135 Aircraft from the Department of Defense
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense is seeking to purchase eight inflight refueling shrouds, part number 400671-4, for KC-135 aircraft. They also require one production surge plan lot. These shrouds are double-skinned, glass-fiber structures that fit over the reception coupling to streamline it, protect its latch mechanism, and direct airflow over air-driven generators.
The shrouds are critical components of the Multi Point Refueling System (MPRS) for KC-135 aircraft. The required delivery schedule for the eight shrouds is two units per month from January through April 2027. The destination for delivery is Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on July 29, 2026. The deadline for submitting proposals is August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.
The government will consider all proposals received within 45 days after the publication date of the synopsis. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses is at their discretion. Price will be a significant factor, but the final award decision may also consider past performance.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for approved manufacturers. Due to the complexity and criticality of the part, only actual manufacturers that have successfully completed all testing required by the original design company can be considered approved sources. Mission Systems Davenport Inc. (CAGE 72429) is listed as an approved source.
This acquisition is not set aside for small businesses. Firms interested in subcontracting opportunities are encouraged to contact the listed approved firm. The government does not own the data or rights needed to manufacture this item, so interested firms should contact the OEM to inquire about data or rights.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, you need to go to the portal. Click the link provided to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view the documents.
Electronic procedures will be used for this solicitation, and hardcopies will not be sent. The solicitation will be available for download only at www.sam.gov.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the strict qualification requirements, ensure your firm is an approved source and can provide evidence of having completed all necessary testing. If you are not an approved source, consider reaching out to the listed approved manufacturer for potential subcontracting opportunities.
Pay close attention to the delivery schedule, which requires two units per month from January through April 2027, and the destination at Tinker Air Force Base. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate your ability to meet these specific timelines and logistics. Also, be aware that UID requirements will apply to this acquisition.
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 Defense; the original posting controls.