How to bid on Transmission, Mechan_End_Item_B-1_NSN_1680011427632RK_PN_NF53302-01B for the DEPT of Defense

What the Air Force is buying

The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research to find potential manufacturers for 44 new mechanical transmissions for the B-1 aircraft. The specific item is Part Number NF53302-01B, National Stock Number (NSN) 1680-01-142-7632RK. This is a request for information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract, and there is no repair requirement for this effort.

The purpose of this market research is to identify potential sources for spares procurement and to help the government determine the best acquisition strategy, including whether the requirement can be competitive or set aside for small businesses. The work, if a contract is awarded in the future, would be performed for Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Sources Sought Synopsis was published on August 03, 2026. Responses are due by September 03, 2026, at 12:59 AM ET. All dates and times are listed as Central Standard Time, Chicago, USA.

At the deadline, the Air Force will stop accepting responses to this market research. There is no solicitation available at this time, and requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this market research, and no funds are available to fund the information solicited.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for manufacturing firms capable of producing aircraft transmissions. The Federal Stock Class is 1680, and the NAICS Code is 336413, which has a size standard of 1,250 employees. The government is interested in responses from businesses of all sizes, including large businesses, and all eligible small business categories such as Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Businesses (8(a)s), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Businesses, and Women-Owned Small Businesses.

Potential sources should be able to furnish all labor, materials, facilities, and equipment needed for new manufacturing, including procurement of component parts, inspection, testing, preservation, packaging, and shipping. They may also be responsible for supply chain management, logistics planning, forecasting production requirements, and addressing diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortage issues.

How to respond

To respond to this market research, you must first click the “Add Me To Interested Vendors” button on the original source portal. This action is required to be considered a participant in this market research effort.

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 the QRs can be found by searching sam.gov for the keyword MQR-PSD-1. If drawings are listed on the EDL, requests for engineering drawings should be submitted using an Excel spreadsheet to [email protected].

SAR packages must be submitted electronically through DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). If you have a PKI Certificate, the SAR can be sent directly to the workflow email [email protected] via DoD SAFE. 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.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is market research and not a direct solicitation, a thorough response can position your company favorably for future opportunities. Clearly demonstrate your manufacturing capabilities for complex mechanical transmissions, specifically highlighting experience with similar aircraft components or precision manufacturing.

Address all aspects mentioned in the requirements, such as your ability to manage the supply chain, handle long-lead time parts, and mitigate diminishing manufacturing sources. If you anticipate nonrecurring engineering costs to become an approved source, be prepared to outline these in a future proposal. Focus on providing clear and concise information that directly addresses the Air Force's stated needs for this specific part number and NSN.