OA-1K Travel/Mobility Pods

The U.S. Air Force through the 137th SOW and 17th FTU is conducting market research to identify commercially available travel and mobility pods compatible with the OA-1K aircraft. This solicitation, identified as W50S8T26QPODS, is strictly for information gathering and no awards will be issued from this posting. Companies are invited to submit literature, capabilities statements, and company information if they offer products similar to existing solutions such as the MXU-648 or Kihomac ACE pods. The intended pod must be designed for external carriage under the OA-1K’s fixed wing, fit the existing BRU-71/A ejector release system with a standard 14-inch lug spacing, and meet specific dimensional constraints including a maximum length of 130 inches, width of 22.5 inches, depth of 28.8 inches, and a minimum usable internal volume of 9.0 cubic feet with a cargo-to-empty-weight ratio of at least 1.9. The primary structure must be corrosion-resistant, utilizing composite, aluminum, or hybrid materials, and include accessible doors for storage. Technical data and software rights are critical components of this market research effort. Offerors must assert all pre-existing restrictions on technical data, software, and documentation in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7992 and must propose to deliver all required materials—such as store drawings, weight and center of gravity data, structural and aerodynamic analyses, qualification test results, and maintenance instructions—with Government Purpose Rights (GPR) or broader rights as defined in DFARS 252.227-7989. Proposals that assert more restrictive rights like Limited or Restricted Rights for data essential to airworthiness certification will be considered non-compliant and may be excluded from evaluation. All deliverables must be marked only with authorized legends pursuant to DFARS 252.227-7989(g), and any nonconforming markings will result in rejection or correction at the contractor’s expense. The target delivery timeline for three pods, if a future award were to follow, is within 60 days of contract award, with a 12-month performance period for delivery, maintenance, and support. The point of contact for this research is Kurt A. Ennis, with responses due by June 18, 2026.