RATO (Rocket Assisted Take Off) Motor and Initiator
ID: FA8213-RATOType: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8213 AFLCMC EBHKHILL AFB, UT, 84056-5820, USA

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)

PSC

ROCKETS, ROCKET AMMUNITION AND ROCKET COMPONENTS (1340)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/0bbe5c883628489eb3364e62a9f841b8/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking proposals for a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) motors and initiators, specifically for use with the BQM-167 aerial target drone. This procurement aims to ensure that only qualified suppliers can provide these critical components, which are essential for the functionality and operational readiness of military aerial targets. Interested bidders must comply with stringent qualification requirements, including facility certifications and extensive testing protocols, with an estimated qualification cost of $5 million for rocket motors and $100,000 for initiators, and a qualification timeframe of 180 to 360 days. For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Jesse Whinham at jesse.whinham@us.af.mil or Elizabeth Dykes at Elizabeth.Dykes@us.af.mil, with the solicitation number FA821325RB005 being the reference for this opportunity.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jesse Whinham
    (801) 775-3237
    jesse.whinham@us.af.mil
    Elizabeth Dykes
    Elizabeth.Dykes@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 15 - JQR RATO Rocket Motor Aug2023.pdf
    This document outlines the justification for qualification requirements regarding the procurement of Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) Rocket Motors for the BQM-167A Aerial Target Drone. It emphasizes the need for prospective bidders to demonstrate their technical capabilities and compliance with stringent manufacturing and testing standards before any contract award. Key requirements include prequalification notices, certification of necessary facilities and equipment, verification of design data packages, and detailed testing procedures. Acknowledged risks include potential degradation of aircraft capabilities if unqualified sources are used. The estimated cost for meeting qualification requirements is projected at $5 million, with a completion timeframe of 180 to 360 days. The document also allows for waivers based on previous relevant experience but mandates full compliance for contract eligibility. Ultimately, successful qualification will designate an offeror as an approved source, though this does not guarantee a contract award. The intent is to ensure that only qualified suppliers are considered to mitigate risks associated with the critical function of the rocket motors in the military context.
    Attachment 16 - JQR RATO Initiator Aug2023.pdf
    The document outlines the justification for establishing qualification requirements for the supply of RATO (Rocket Assisted Take-Off) initiators used in the BQM-167A aerial target drone. It emphasizes the critical nature of the components' manufacturing specifications to ensure aircraft functionality, highlighting the risks associated with sourcing from unqualified bidders. The qualification process includes prequalification notices, facility certifications, data verification, process verification, testing protocols, and detailed evaluation requirements to validate an offeror’s manufacturing capability. Compliance with these requirements is essential for contracting, with an estimated cost of $100,000 for potential bidders to meet government-specific testing and evaluations. The document stipulates a timeframe of 180 to 360 days for qualification efforts, and it includes provisions for waivers of certain requirements based on prior experience. Overall, it underscores the need for stringent qualification standards to mitigate risks related to the critical aerospace component manufacturing and to ensure high-quality outcomes for defense applications.
    Synopsis Information.docx
    The FA8213-25-R-B005 synopsis outlines a federal acquisition aimed at establishing a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) motors and initiators, used primarily for launching the BQM-167 aerial target drone. Issued by the FA8213 AFLCMC EBHK office in Utah, the contract is open for full competition, requiring bidders to qualify as specified in the accompanying documents. The contract includes various line items spread across five ordering periods, each comprising contractor-tested and government-tested first articles, technical data, and the actual RATO rocket motors and initiators. Deliveries begin 180 days post approval of the first article, with a focus on incremental bi-monthly shipments. The synopsis advises foreign firms to consult the contracting officer regarding any participation restrictions. Overall, this acquisition supports the U.S. Government's operational needs for aerial targets while ensuring thorough qualification and testing processes for contractors involved.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    RATO (Rocket Assisted Take Off) Motor and Initiator
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    Presolicitation
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