New Aircraft Pallets
ID: FA853426RPALLETType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8534 AFLCMC WNKACROBINS AFB, GA, 31098-1670, USA

NAICS

Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding (331318)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for the production of new all-aluminum air cargo pallets to replace the existing 463L model. This procurement aims to enhance the air cargo capability essential for military logistics, ensuring that mission-critical resources are transported with reliability and efficiency. The new pallets will maintain similar dimensions and load capacities while improving durability and operational performance, with a projected monthly requirement of 1,583 pallets. Interested parties must submit their responses to the Contractor Capability Survey by December 19, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Tiffany Davis-Patterson at tiffany.davis-patterson@us.af.mil or Douglas Lindsey at douglas.lindsey@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This document, likely a technical drawing or specification for a federal government project, details the "PALLET ASSEMBLY, CARGO - HCU-6A/E NEXT GENERATION." It outlines precise dimensions, materials, assembly instructions, and quality control requirements. Key aspects include welding specifications (Friction Stir Welding, GMAW, GTAW), flatness tolerances, riveting procedures, and specific marking requirements for manufacturing orientation and identification (e.g., "PROPERTY OF US AIR FORCE RETURN TO NEAREST AIR FORCE BASE"). The document also includes export control and distribution statements, emphasizing its sensitive nature. Revisions indicate ongoing updates to specifications and tolerances, reflecting a dynamic engineering process for a critical defense asset.
    The document is an engineering drawing (201993427) for an "INTERMEDIATE PANEL EXTRUSION-PALLET, AIRBORNE CARGO," specifically for the HCU-6A/E pallet. It details the extrusion parameters, dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications for a 6005A-T61 aluminum alloy extrusion (or alternately, 6061-T6) conforming to ASTM B221-14. Key notes include adherence to ASME Y14 standards for engineering drawings, dimensioning, and abbreviations, as well as ANSI H35.2 for extrusion tolerances. The drawing also specifies requirements for blending skins, providing 114-inch lengths with square ends, and marking the extrusion with "TOP INBD." The maximum weight is not to exceed 4.50 LBS/FT. The drawing is based on a 3D model and includes a revision history, with the latest change updating the distribution statement to "A. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED."
    This government file details the engineering drawing specifications for a "CENTER PANEL EXTRUSION-PALLET, AIRBORNE CARGO." The document outlines precise dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements for the extrusion, including critical angles, radii, and thickness tolerances. Key specifications cover extrusion tolerances per ANSI H35.2, blending of skins to prevent discontinuities, and a required length of 114 inches. It mandates specific marking instructions for the extruder to identify the "TOP INBD" along the trim line and permits 6061-T6, ASTM B221-14 as an alternate material. The maximum weight for the extrusion must not exceed 5.20 LBS/FT. The drawing adheres to ASME Y14.100-2013, Y14.5-2018, and Y14.38-2019 standards. The document also provides revision history, confirms distribution statement A for public release, and details extrusion parameters such as bow, straightness, flatness, twist, and angularity. This drawing is based on a 3D model and is critical for the manufacturing and assembly of airborne cargo pallets.
    The document is an engineering drawing (201993429.SLDDRW) for a Side Panel Extrusion for an Airborne Cargo Pallet (HCU-6A/E). It specifies dimensions, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing notes. Key dimensions include R.125, R5.252, and 2.250. Tolerances are provided for extrusion parameters like bow, straightness, flatness, twist, and angularity. Material specifications allow for 6005A-T61 or 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, ASTM B221-14. Manufacturing notes detail blending requirements, extrusion lengths (114 inches), and a maximum weight not to exceed 6.14 lbs/ft. The drawing adheres to ASME Y14.100-2013, Y14.5-2018, and Y14.38-2019 standards. This document is crucial for manufacturers producing the side panel extrusion, ensuring compliance with design specifications for the airborne cargo pallet.
    This document outlines the engineering specifications for an 'EDGE RAIL EXTRUSION-PALLET, AIRBORNE CARGO' (DWG NO. 201993430), intended for the HCU-6A/E weapon system. The drawing details precise dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements, including the use of 6005A-T61 or 6061-T6 aluminum alloy per ASTM B221-14. Key notes cover engineering drawing practices (ASME Y14.100-2013, Y14.5-2018, Y14.38-2019), extrusion tolerances (ANSI H35.2), and blending requirements for skins. The extrusion must be furnished in 92-inch lengths with square ends, with a maximum weight not exceeding 2.5 lbs/ft. The document also specifies extrusion parameters such as bow, straightness, flatness, twist, and angularity. The drawing is based on a 3D model and is subject to government design activity for changes, with a distribution statement A indicating approval for public release.
    The document details the design specifications and manufacturing requirements for a "TIE-DOWN RING ASSEMBLY - PALLET, AIRBORNE CARGO," identified by DWG NO. 201993431. This assembly is crucial for securing cargo on airborne pallets, as indicated by its application. Key components include a ring and a bracket forging, made from AMS-SAE6370/STL 4130 and AMS-SAE6345/STL SHEET 4130, respectively. The ring has a capacity of 7500 lbs in any direction. Manufacturing notes specify adherence to ASME Y14.100-2013, precise edge breaking, and functional interchangeability of assemblies. Critical processes involve heat treatment to 160,000-180,000 PSI per SAE-AMS-H-6875, with specific hardness requirements near spot weld locations, and zinc alloy thermo-diffusion coating per ASTM A1059, CLASS 40. The drawing is based on a 3D model and includes an export control notice, restricting dissemination in accordance with DoD directives.
    The document is an Engineering Data List (EDL) from June 13, 2019, detailing engineering drawings and associated documents for "PALLET, CARGO, AIRCRA" and its components. The primary end item is SUPPORT EQUIPMENT, specifically "PALLET ASSEMBLY, CARGO - HCU-6A/E NEXT GENERATION." Key components listed include various extrusions for the pallet (edge rail, intermediate panel, center panel, side panel) and a tie-down ring assembly. The list also includes a HUCK RIVET TOOL NOSE ASSEMBLY and GENERAL ENGINEERING NOTES. Model-Based Data (MBD) files are available upon request, with contact information provided for Anthony Taylor. The document specifies furnishing codes (e.g., "S" for furnished with solicitation, "C" for classified document), indicating its relevance for procurement and engineering purposes within a government context, likely for federal RFPs or contracts related to aircraft cargo pallets.
    The RFI FA853426RPALLET Q&A addresses various questions regarding an upcoming federal government procurement. Key points include clarification that the effort is currently considered full and open competition, with the structure to be determined after market research. The deadline for responses and the Contractor Capability Survey has been extended to December 19, 2025. Restrictions on foreign country sourcing of materials and parts reference the Buy American Act (FAR 25.1). The government confirmed that the drawings attached to the RFI are the only documentation available at this time. This Q&A session aims to provide transparency and address potential bidders' concerns regarding the RFI.
    The government is conducting market research for an all-aluminum air cargo pallet for various federal agencies. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks industry partners to manufacture a new configuration based on a government-owned, partial Technical Data Package (TDP). The future pallet must be constructed from friction stir welded extruded aluminum panels, meet specific durability and operational requirements, including a 10-year design life, 10,000-pound load capacity, and compatibility with the 463L rail locking system. The government is not seeking alternative designs but rather manufacturing excellence, design optimization, and minor refinements to address technical challenges and improve production efficiency. Responses to the Contractor Capability Survey, including business information and detailed answers to general, commerciality, and manufacturing questions, are due by October 19, 2025. Small businesses are encouraged to participate, with potential for set-aside decisions based on market research. The estimated monthly quantity is 1,583 pallets, with a need for surge production capabilities.
    The government is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for an all-aluminum air cargo pallet for various federal agencies. This RFI seeks to identify qualified sources with the expertise to produce a new configuration of the air cargo pallet, replacing the current 463L model. The government possesses a partial Technical Data Package (TDP) and is looking for industry partners to optimize the design, recommend minor modifications for improved testing and performance, and identify production efficiencies and cost reduction opportunities. The RFI emphasizes manufacturing excellence and minor design refinements rather than alternative design concepts. Contractors must furnish all materials, support equipment, tools, test equipment, and services. The RFI also includes a Contractor Capability Survey covering business information, general capabilities, commerciality, and manufacturing processes, with responses due by December 19th, 2025. Small businesses are encouraged to participate, and specific guidance is provided for teaming arrangements.
    The government is conducting market research to identify sources for a new all-aluminum air cargo pallet for various federal agencies. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks manufacturers with expertise in producing an extruded aluminum, friction stir welded pallet, based on a government-owned technical data package (TDP) that requires some modification. The new design aims to replace the current 463L pallet, maintaining similar dimensions and load capacity but enhancing durability and operational performance. The government is seeking industry input for design optimization, minor modifications to improve testing and reliability, and insights into production efficiencies and cost reduction. Responses to the Contractor Capability Survey, including business information and detailed answers to general, commerciality, manufacturing, and software development questions, are due by October 19, 2025. Small businesses are encouraged to participate and detail any teaming arrangements. The projected monthly quantity is 1,583 pallets, and contractors should describe surge production capabilities. The government is not seeking alternative designs but rather manufacturing excellence and minor refinements to meet stringent operational requirements.
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    New Aircraft Pallets
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