How to bid on USAF SOF C-130 technical data work for the Department of the Air Force

What the Air Force is researching

The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research on small-business capabilities for technical manual development and updates, technical data and configuration management, and engineering support for SOF C-130 aircraft: AC, MC, and HC. AC-130J-only provisioning support is also part of the potential work.

Provisioning tasks include recommending spare, repairable, and consumable material requirements, proposing Source, Maintenance, and Recoverability codes for Government approval, and supporting provisioning and configuration guidance conferences. The Air Force is considering a five-year contract with a 12-month base period and four 12-month options.

Key date and what the deadline means

The RFI deadline is October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Submit your market research response by that deadline using the instructions in the RFI.

Who this opportunity may suit

This market research is aimed at capable small businesses with relevant experience in technical writing and technical manual development, technical data and configuration management, or engineering support for aircraft.

Firms with AC-130J provisioning experience may also be a fit. The scope describes support across AC, MC, and HC SOF C-130 aircraft, but provisioning support is limited to the AC-130J.

How to access the RFI

Click “View original source” on the opportunity page. If the first click opens the portal homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though some bids do not require one.

Prepare a focused market research response

Clearly describe your company’s relevant capabilities and experience in the work areas covered by the RFI. Connect examples to the specific tasks, such as preparing technical data for Technical Order updates, tracking configuration changes, or supporting AC-130J provisioning.

Pay close attention to the Government’s data limitation: it has a specification-control drawing for certain components, not a manufacturing drawing, and says it cannot release or provide access to the complete technical data package held by Lockheed Martin. Explain how your approach accounts for that limitation without assuming the package will be available.

This is an RFI for market research, not a promise of a future solicitation or award. The Government will not reimburse response costs, so keep your response focused and proportionate to the request.