P-8A, C-40, & E-7A CFM56 Core Engines

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command is pursuing a sole-source acquisition under FAR 6.103-1 for 28 CFM56-7B27AE core engines for the P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, one CFM56-7B24E core engine for the C-40 transport aircraft, and 17 CFM56-7B27AE-1 core engines for the E-7A Airborne Early Warning platform, all to be delivered to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, with additional support for Foreign Military Sales and U.S. Air Force requirements. The procurement is classified as a commercial item under PSC 2840 and NAICS 336412, and CFM International is identified as the only responsible source due to its exclusive control over the proprietary technical data required to manufacture and certify these engines. A sources sought notice has been issued to validate industry capability and assess potential alternative sources, though the government has no intent to pursue competition due to the unique technical constraints and OEM exclusivity. Respondents must demonstrate either current certification as a CFM-authorized dealer with a letter of intent or demonstrate authorized access to CFM technical data and a plan to maintain it throughout the contract period, with small businesses required to prove they will perform at least 50% of the work themselves. The notice explicitly prohibits submission of pricing information and requires all responses to be submitted via email within a 17-day window, limited to three pages, and properly marked for proprietary content. No contract has been awarded, and this is strictly a market research action to inform future acquisition planning, with no financial obligation or guarantee of follow-on procurement by the government.