600-Gallon External Fuel Tank Assembly

NOTICE:  1.    This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is issued for informal purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expense associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, Statement of Work (SOW)/Statement of Objectives (SOO), and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE:  1.The F-16 platform requires enhanced unrefueled range to meet evolving requirements that exceed the capability of the standard 370-gallon external fuel tank configuration. a.  The integration of 600-gallon external fuel tanks on wing stations four and six is necessary to significantly increase the aircraft's fuel capacity. This capability will allow the F-16 to successfully employ modern, heavy standoff munitions at extended ranges and achieve modernized tactical ferry range objectives of an increased range, when utilized in conjunction. REQUIREMENT: 1. The F-16 System Program Office (SPO) has a requirement to procure an estimated 250 rail sets (totaling 500 tanks), to include the tanks, pylons, required aircraft installation hardware, initial spares, Technical Orders (TOs)/engineering data, and specialized support equipment. 2. The Government is considering the use of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Acquisition Consortium Initiative (ACI) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for this potential acquisition. The ACI OTA is an agreement between AFLCMC and SOSSEC, Inc., which serves as the OTA recipient and Consortium Management Firm (CMF) for the ACI consortium. As the CMF, SOSSEC acts as a trusted intermediary and facilitator, supporting companies that develop and propose innovative solutions in response to Government project announcements. To support market research efforts for this requirement, the Government is also issuing this Request for Information (RFI) through the ACI OTA and SOSSEC. 3. Participation in this RFI, as well as eligibility for any future award resulting from this announcement, requires membership in the SOSSEC Consortium. Joining the consortium is a straightforward process that involves reviewing and executing the consortium membership agreement and paying a modest annual membership fee. Additional information regarding SOSSEC and the ACI OTA is available at SOSSEC's website, SOSSEC, Inc.. FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS: 1.The procured assembly must increase range and loiter time while minimizing integration risks. The desired functional characteristics are as follows: a.  Capacity: The tanks must provide a minimum 600-gallon usable fuel capacity. b.  Compatibility: The tanks and pylons must be compatible with existing ground support and fuel tank loading equipment. c.  Integration: The tanks must be capable of being loaded and structurally supported on F-16 wing stations 4 and 6 (specifically targeting Post-Block 40/42/50/52 configurations). d.  Jettison: The tank assembly must integrate seamlessly with the F-16 Stores Management System (SMS) and be able to be safely jettisoned. e.  Operational Environment: The tanks must be capable of operating across the full spectrum of operational mission profiles. INFORMATION REQUEST FROM INDUSTRY: 1.Through this SSS, the F-16 SPO is requesting detailed information concerning mature, Non-Developmental Items (NDI) that meet the requirements stated above. The Vendor should structure their White Paper responses to directly address the categories in the table below. 2.All possible offerors are strongly encouraged to submit information supporting this request.  INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS: 1.Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information: a.  Respondent Data: Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL b.  Pursuant to NAICS Codes 336413, Aircraft auxiliary parts (crop dusting, external fuel tanks, inflight refueling equipment manufacturing, state whether the company is: (1)  Small Business                                                                            (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified (2)  Women-Owned Small Business                  &nb