DAMPENER, FLUTTER

The U.S. Air Force, through DLA Aviation at Tinker Air Force Base, is seeking a 100% Small Business Set-Aside for the procurement of 34 Flutter Damper units, NSN 1650-01-008-0686, part number 65-8353-8, for use on E-3 aircraft. The item is an aluminum/steel component designed to dampen control tab flutter in the airplane rudder, measuring approximately 18.25 inches in length, 2.75 inches in width, and 3.25 inches in height, with a weight of 4.5 pounds. This acquisition follows a prior purchase of 11 units from Boeing under contract SPRTA1-25-P-0038, and is governed by Boeing Rights Guard (BRG) restrictions, requiring potential offerors to obtain a restricted Technical Data Package via CD-ROM. The solicitation is set to issue on May 11, 2026, with a response deadline of June 25, 2026; however, the posted date indicates a prior estimated deadline of May 9, 2026, suggesting potential discrepancies or updates in scheduling. The procurement allows for a flexible quantity range from a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 54 units, with the final award quantity to be determined by the Government after proposal evaluation, and no surplus is permitted. First Article testing is required, and the delivery schedule mandates all units be delivered to DLA Distribution Depot, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, no later than January 20, 2028. Export-controlled data restrictions apply, requiring offerors to hold Export Control certification prior to accessing technical data, with registration available through the DLIS website. The contract will be awarded as a Fixed-Price, Firm Fixed-Quantity arrangement, and offerors must comply with UID marking requirements per DFARS clause 252.211-7003. The acquisition will include a provision for a possible reverse auction via the ProcureX system, and offerors are strongly encouraged to self-register and review training resources in advance. Proposals must be submitted in writing via scanned PDF, and all participants must be certified small businesses meeting BRG and export control requirements. A designated ombudsman is available to address procedural concerns, but cannot interfere with evaluation or award decisions, and initial