What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking small businesses to provide annual proof testing (load test) services for C-5 aerospace ground equipment, specifically for hoisting equipment at Westover Air Reserve Base, MA. This opportunity is set aside for total small businesses under NAICS 811310 and involves a potential five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement. As this is a Sources Sought notice, it is primarily for market research; interested vendors should focus on demonstrating their capabilities rather than submitting bids at this stage.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS
1. General Information
Notice Type: Sources Sought
Notice/Solicitation Number: FA660626SS001
Title: Annual Proof Testing (Load Test) for C-5 Aerospace Ground Equipment
Product Service Code (PSC): H949 - Other Quality Control, Testing, and Inspection- Maintenance and Repair Shop Equipment
NAICS Code: 811310 - Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
Place of Performance: Westover Air Reserve Base (ARB), MA 01022
2. Description
This is a Sources Sought Synopsis ONLY. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.
The purpose of this Sources Sought is to conduct market research to determine the availability and technical capability of qualified small businesses, or any other interested parties, to provide Annual Proof Testing (Load Test) services for critical C-5 Galaxy engine handling and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) hoisting equipment.
The Government anticipates establishing a five (5) year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to fulfill this recurring requirement.
3. Requirement Details
The successful contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, test beds, materials, non-destructive inspection (NDI) capabilities, and facilities necessary to perform annual load/proof testing on the following specific items:
QTYDescription / NomenclatureID / Part Number3Bootstrap Beam Assembly (Saddle)AGSE-B01520Bootstrap Beam Hoists (Level System) (5 kits total; 4 Hoists per Kit) AGSE-154APU Lifting HoistAGE70078
General Scope of Work:
Perform structural and mechanical proof load testing in accordance with applicable Air Force Technical Orders (TO), military specifications, and OEM (Advanced Ground Systems Engineering - AGSE) guidance.
Conduct post-test inspections, including necessary Non-Destructive Inspections (NDI), to certify the equipment is free from structural defects (e.g., weld cracks, deformation).
Provide official certification tags/documentation for each piece of equipment successfully passing the load test.
Note to Contractors: The equipment is located at Westover ARB, MA. Vendors must indicate their capability to either perform testing on-site or transport the equipment to an off-site, certified testing facility.
4. Submission Instructions
Interested parties who believe they possess the expertise and capabilities to perform the described services are invited to submit a Capability Statement.
Your capability statement should include the following information:
Company Information: Name, address, Point of Contact (POC), telephone number, email address, CAGE code, and SAM Unique Entity ID (UEI).
Socioeconomic Status: Please identify your business size standard under NAICS 811310 (Size Standard: $12.5 Million). Indicate any applicable socioeconomic categories (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB).
Technical Capability: A brief summary (not to exceed 3 pages) demonstrating your ability to perform load testing and certification on the specific aerospace hoisting equipment listed (AGSE-B015, AGSE-15, AGE70078).
Please note if you possess experience with AGSE equipment or similar heavy-lift military aviation hoists.
Please clarify if your testing would be performed on-site at Westover ARB or at your facility.
Past Performance: Brief examples of recent, relevant contracts (Government or commercial) for similar load-testing services.
Submission Deadline:
Responses must be submitted electronically via email to Robert Stacy at robert.stacy.2@us.af.mil no later than 12:00 PM EST on 30 June 2026 .
Disclaimer: All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.