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

The Naval Air Systems Command intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Eaton Mission Systems Division for the relocation and qualification of manufacturing operations for the FLU-8B/P Automatic Inflation Device and its associated batteries. This critical safety item is designed to automatically inflate aircrew life preservers upon water immersion following egress from ejection seat-equipped aircraft using an electro-explosive primer to activate a CO2 cylinder. Production is transitioning from the historical manufacturing site in Orchard Park to a facility in Davenport, Iowa. The contractor must successfully relocate operations, validate production capabilities, and deliver first article test samples for the qualified design under Eaton Part Number 1812-173-02.

This requirement, identified under solicitation number N00421-26-RFPREQ-WPM202-0225, is classified under NAICS 325920 Explosives Manufacturing and PSC 1377 Cartridge and Propellant Actuated Devices and Components. The procurement is conducted in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 as a sole-source action because the government does not possess the technical data package or drawings necessary for manufacture. Eaton Mission Systems Division, as the designer and developer, maintains the specific engineering capability and proprietary data required to satisfy agency needs. There is no set-aside designated for this effort.

The primary place of performance is St. James, Maryland, with a response deadline of June 28, 2026. Sabana Moore-Barnes serves as the point of contact for the Office of the Secretary regarding this notice. Responses to this synopsis must be submitted via email, and the government has indicated that no telephonic responses will be accepted. As of the publication date of May 28, 2026, there are no attachments associated with this pre-solicitation notice.