Synopsis of Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft FA850926LC130J
Summary
AI-generated · Dec 13, 2025Modernize and upgrade the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to the LC-130J configuration to enhance polar operation capabilities. This Sources Sought seeks industry feedback on capabilities, potential approaches, and interest in performing the modernization; refer to the attached "LC-130J Modernization RFI_12 December 2025" for the detailed requirements and questions to respond to.
See attached document titled "LC-130J Modernization RFI_12 December 2025".
From Sources Sought posted on Dec 12, 2025See attached document titled "LC-130J Modernization RFI_12 December 2025". RFI has been extended to 10:00am EST, 12 January 2026.
From Sources Sought posted on Dec 16, 2025See attached document titled "LC-130J Modernization RFI_12 December 2025". RFI has been extended to 10:00am EST, 12 January 2026.
From Sources Sought posted on Dec 29, 2025This is the Synopsis of the Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft
From Special Notice posted on Feb 19, 2026The 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
From Special Notice posted on Feb 25, 2026Notice history
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Sources Sought Posted Dec 16, 2025View changes (2)
- Description: Description was updated
- Response Deadline: Dec 22, 2025 → Jan 12, 2026
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Sources Sought Posted Dec 29, 2025No changes from previous notice
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Special Notice Posted Feb 19, 2026View changes (4)
- Title: Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft → Synopsis of Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft
- Description: Description was updated
- Notice Type: Sources Sought → Special Notice
- Response Deadline: Jan 12, 2026 → Mar 06, 2026
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Special Notice LATEST Posted Feb 25, 2026View changes (2)
- Description: Description was updated
- Response Deadline: Mar 06, 2026 → Mar 12, 2026
Details
Award Information
Not yet awarded
Contacts
Agency
Place of Performance
USA