Air Force Seeks Development of Modern LC-130J Aircraft for Arctic Operations

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Special Operations Forces (SOF)/Personnel Recovery (PR) C-130 Division AFLCMC/WIU conducted market research to identify qualified sources to design, develop, and evaluate a new LC-130J Military Design Series (MDS) to replace the aging LC-130H aircraft.

The government requires study and technical documentation support to determine the best integration approach for modernizing a newly produced C-130J, produced by Lockheed Martin, to support missions in arctic conditions to include identifying and advising required structural upgrades, avionics, and a range of other engineering and analytical supplies and services for this special mission variant fleet.

This study will include the design and testing of post-production modifications (such as adding a ski-capability, thermal protections, and structural reinforcement) to convert a newly produced C-130J into the LC-130J. The LC-130J will be a digital model and replace the LC-130H analog model.

A Justification and Approval (J&A) will be executed using the authority under the Polar Modernization LC-130J program under authority of a Class Justification and Approval (J&A) using Other Than Full and Open Competition in accordance with Exception to Fair Opportunity (EFO) (FAR 16) and Limited Sources Justification (LSJ) (FAR 8). Under this authority, AFLCMC/WIUK intends to award two EMD contracts.

One with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company (LMAC), Marietta, Georgia, and a second with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), Englewood, Colorado, for unique support activities for the LC-130J Polar Modernization. Contract type will include a combination of Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF). Any questions should be directed to the buyer/Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) identified below.

If your concerns are not satisfied by the PCO, an Ombudsman has been appointed to hear serious concerns that are not resolved through established channels. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the contracting officer, but to communicate serious contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel.

When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals in the source selection process. When appropriate, potential offerors may contact the Ombudsman, Susan L. Skaggs, at 312-339-2372, or via email at: susan.skaggs@us.af.mil Anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP) RELEASE DATE: On or About 18 March 2026.

Anticipated RESPONSE DATE: To Be Determined Anticipated/Estimated Award Date: 30 September 2026