Relocation and Qualification of FLU-8B/P Automatic Inflation Device Manufacturing

The Naval Air Systems Command is procuring a sole-source, firm fixed price contract with Eaton Mission Systems Division in Davenport, Iowa, to relocate and qualify the manufacturing of the FLU-8B/P Automatic Inflation Device, a critical safety component that automatically inflates aircrew life preservers upon water immersion following ejection from aircraft. The device uses an electro-explosive primer to trigger a CO2 cylinder for rapid inflation and has historically been produced at Eaton’s Orchard Park facility, but production is being transitioned to the Davenport site. The contractor must successfully transfer all manufacturing processes, validate production capability, and deliver first article test samples for the qualified FLU-8 design, ensuring full compliance with specifications without any deviation from the original engineering. This acquisition is justified under FAR Part 6.302-1 as only Eaton Mission Systems possesses the unique engineering knowledge, proprietary technical data, and specialized expertise required to manufacture the FLU-8B/P, as the government does not hold or have access to the necessary design documentation. No other organization can meet the government’s requirements due to the technical complexity and proprietary nature of the device. The contract is being procured as a presolicitation with a response deadline of June 28, 2026, and all communications must be submitted electronically to the designated Contract Specialist; telephone inquiries are not accepted. Subcontracting interest may be directed to the specified point of contact, and the contract will be performed at the company's Davenport location with the government office located in Patuxent River, Maryland.