SAM #FA462026QA278

Sole Source Procurement: Butler Parachute Harnesses for SERE Training at Fairchild AFB

This notice is for a sole source procurement by the 22nd Training Readiness Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, for specialized parachute harnesses used in SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training. - Agency: 22nd Training Readiness Squadron (TRS), Air Mobility Command, Fairchild AFB - Requirement: Ten (10) Butler low profile parachute (LPP) training harnesses - Part number: 11094 - For SERE school training - OEM: Butler Parachute Systems, Inc. (BPS) - Only BPS-manufactured harnesses are authorized per Air Force regulations - No authorized resellers or distributors - Compliance: Must meet AFI 10-3503, AFMAN11-301V1, and USAF Personnel Parachute Program Authorized Use List (AUL) - Sole Source Justification: Air Force policy restricts procurement to BPS harnesses; other vendors may submit substantiating documentation but are not currently authorized - Commercial Opportunity: Potential for other vendors if they can meet Air Force requirements and gain authorization - Estimated contract value: Likely in the range of $25,000-$50,000 based on typical harness pricing - Period of performance: Not specified, likely immediate delivery upon award

Description

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO: BUTLER PARACHUTE SYSTEMS, INC. (UEI: E1URFZC1QLL7 / CAGE: 0D4Z0)

The 22nd Training Readiness Squadron (TRS) has a requirement for ten (10) Butler low profile parachute (LPP) training harnesses, part number 11094, for use at the SERE school located at Fairchild AFB, WA. The requested harnesses are a training specific item that meets Air Force requirements as stated in AFI 10-3503, Personnel Parachute Program, from April 2026, AFMAN11-301V1, and the USAF Personnel Parachute Program (PPP) Approve for Use List (AUL). The required harnesses are only manufactured/distributed by Butler Parachute Systems, Inc (BPS).

The Air Force Personnel Parachute Program Authorized Use List (AUL) mandates that the only authorized low-profile parachutes (LLP) are manufactured by Butler Parachute Systems (BPS). This requirement is for the LPP training hanging harness manufactured by BPS and specifically designed for training to simulate the use of the mandated LPP from the AUL therefore a sole source purchase is justified.

While competition for parachute equipment is limited due to Air Force policy, an Internet search was conducted to look for authorized resellers of BPS equipment. Butler Parachute Systems was contacted and confirmed there are no authorized resellers of this product. Until other LPP products are authorized by the Air Force, BPS will continue to be the only source for the required harnesses. The government will continue to monitor the updated Air Force Instructions for all future purchases of this nature to verify if competition is available.

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government. Vendors that believe they can provide the items listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the government.

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