New Manufacture of Sleeve and Slide, Directional Control Linear Valve for the E-3B/C/G

This solicitation, issued by the Department of the Air Force (FA8118-26-R-0011), seeks proposals for the new manufacture of the Sleeve and Slide Directional Control Linear Valve (NSN 4810-00-348-6335HS) specifically for the E-3B/C/G aircraft. The procurement expects firm fixed price pricing for a best estimated quantity of 50 units, with a minimum order of 13 and a maximum potential order of 75 units, including option quantities. The place of delivery is designated as the DLA Distribution Depot at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with F.O.B. origin terms indicating shipment responsibility begins at the contractor’s facility. While the solicitation is unrestricted, set-aside preferences exist for various small business categories, including Women-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. The government anticipates awarding this contract as a sole source to Hydro-Aire, Inc. (CAGE 81982), and the offer submission deadline is January 8, 2026, 3:00 PM CST. The contract incorporates numerous standard and special provisions addressing compliance with quality assurance, packaging, marking, cybersecurity, and subcontracting requirements. Inspection and acceptance are to occur at the contractor’s facility, with the government retaining the right and responsibility for quality assurance under applicable FAR and AFMCFARS clauses. Packaging must meet MIL-STD-2073-1 standards with MIL B level preservation, and wooden packaging materials require heat treatment and certification per ISPM No. 15. Markings must comply with MIL-STD-129 and MIL-STD-130 for traceability purposes. Cybersecurity controls aligned with NIST SP 800-171 are mandated due to the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), alongside prohibitions on covered defense telecommunications equipment as outlined in relevant statutes. The evaluation prioritizes price or cost as the primary factor, though combined non-cost factors also influence award decisions, with no explicit weights provided. Administrative clauses include requirements for invoice submission via the Wide Area WorkFlow system (WAWF), material sourcing compliance, subcontracting restrictions, and adherence to Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) policies to ensure timely performance. Overall, this procurement is structured to secure precision hydraulic components for critical Air Force platforms under strict quality, security, and delivery standards, with Hydro-Aire, Inc. positioned as the sole anticipated awardee.