This Sources Sought opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on May 7, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) Production
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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The U.S. Department of Defense, through the Office of W6QK Acc-Apg Natick in Natick, Massachusetts, is conducting market research via a Request for Information (RFI) to assess industry capabilities for the production of the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF), a critical chemical and biological protective mask for F-35 pilots. This RFI, solicitation number W911QY_26_RFI_JSAM_JSF, is explicitly for sources sought and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract; no payments will be made for responses, and respondents bear all associated costs. The Government currently fields the JSAM-JSF system produced by Gentex Corporation but lacks a complete, unrestricted Technical Data Package (TDP), as proprietary rights remain with the incumbent and its subcontractors for key components and integration hardware. The primary objective is to determine if non-incumbent sources can develop, qualify, and produce a fully integrated, airworthy replacement without access to the incumbent’s proprietary data, evaluating technical feasibility, data rights barriers, and sustainment implications. Respondents must demonstrate the ability to meet stringent performance standards including +9Gz pressurized breathing, 16-hour CBRN protection, biological protection with QFF ≥100,000 in blown mode, ejection survivability at 600 KEAS, optical compliance with MIL-DTL-43511D, anti-fog/frost performance without topical agents, and seamless integration with all F-35 variants and subsystems such as the Helmet Mounted Display. Submission requirements include providing the company’s CAGE Code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), declaring business size status under NAICS code 336413 and any applicable socioeconomic classifications, and affirming capability to maintain a SECRET-level Facility Clearance for handling Controlled Unclassified Information and F-35 Restricted Data. Respondents must detail their data rights assertions under DFARS 252.227-7992, clearly indicating willingness to grant Government Purpose Rights for form, fit, function, operation, maintenance, and interface data essential for future competition and sustainment. Technical proposals must outline a viable path to reverse-engineering or redeveloping the system without the incumbent’s TDP, addressing design challenges, production timelines, DMSMS management, and Rough Order of Magnitude cost estimates for both non-recurring and per-unit expenses.
General Info
Place of Performance
Natick, MA, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) Production
Notice Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
NAICS Code: 336413 - Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product
Service Code (PSC): 1660 - Aircraft Air Conditioning, Heating, and Pressurizing Equipment
1.0 Synopsis
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY FOR MARKET RESEARCH AND PLANNING PURPOSES. This RFI also serves as a Sources Sought notice to determine the feasibility of a Small Business Set-Aside.
This RFI does not constitute a solicitation (RFP/RFQ) and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded from this announcement.
The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI, and respondents are solely responsible for all costs associated with responding.
The Joint Program Manager for Chemical Biological Nuclear Radiological Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) is conducting market research to identify potential sources and understand current market capabilities for the production of a chemical and biological (CB) protective mask for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), known as the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF). This RFI will allow the Government to assess industry’s ability to meet stringent performance, integration, testing and fielding requirements, specifically noting that the Government does not possess a complete technical data package (TDP) for the current system.
The Government specifically seeks to identify if the lack of a Government-owned Technical Data Package (TDP) represents an insurmountable barrier to entry for non-incumbent sources.
2.0 Background
The Joint Service Aircrew Mask for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) is a critical component of the F-35 pilot's life support equipment, providing protection against Chemical and Biological (CB) warfare agents. The system must integrate seamlessly with all F-35 aircraft variants and their subsystems, including the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), to ensure pilot safety and mission effectiveness.
The Government currently fields the JSAM-JSF, which is produced by Gentex Corporation. The Government does not possess a complete, unrestricted Technical Data Package (TDP) for this system, as it is encumbered by proprietary data rights held by the incumbent contractor and its subcontractors for several critical sub-components and integration hardware. The Government is seeking to understand how potential sources would develop and deliver a fully qualified, airworthy, F-35 integrated system without a Government-owned TDP.
Due Date: June 5, 2026
Please see Attachment 1 JSAM- JSF Request for Information 06May2026 for additional details and instructions.
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