F-16 Antilock Brake Sensor
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE SUSTAINMENT CENTER.FA8203 AFSC PZAAB · Response deadline: Fri, 16 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Air Force is soliciting bids for an F-16 Antilock Brake Sensor. This is a component procurement for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a widely fielded multirole fighter aircraft. Antilock brake sensors are critical avionics components that prevent wheel lockup during landing, allowing pilots to maintain directional control and reduce stopping distance on runways. These sensors detect wheel speed variations and relay data to the aircraft's braking system computer.
Work under NAICS 336413 involves manufacturing aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. This class covers the production of components specifically designed for aircraft use, including braking system elements, rather than general automotive or industrial applications. See the solicitation for exact technical specifications, quantities, and any delivery requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC), AFSC PZAAB |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | FD202026Q0015 |
| NAICS | 336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 16, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. EDT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is open to all responsible businesses — there is no set-aside restricting competition to small businesses, veteran-owned firms, or other socioeconomic categories. Large manufacturers, mid-tier suppliers, and small businesses may all submit offers.
To compete realistically, you should have:
- Aircraft parts manufacturing experience, preferably with Department of Defense (DoD) or aerospace prime contractor customers
- Capabilities in precision sensor fabrication or aircraft braking systems
- An active SAM.gov registration and valid Unique Entity ID
- Credentials demonstrating quality systems appropriate for military aviation, such as AS9100 certification or equivalent
- If you are a small business, be prepared to compete on technical merit and price against larger, established defense suppliers
If you lack direct F-16 experience but have manufactured similar brake sensors for other military or commercial aircraft, you may still qualify. Review the solicitation for any mandatory source approval, technical data rights requirements, or specific past performance criteria.
How to put together a competitive bid
For an unrestricted sensor procurement, success typically requires demonstrating proven manufacturing capability, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery.
Technical approach: Submit detailed specifications matching or exceeding the required performance parameters. Include test data, qualification history, and any prior use on F-16s or comparable fighter platforms. If the sensor requires obsolescence mitigation or form-fit-function replacement of an existing part, explain your engineering approach clearly.
Pricing strategy: With no set-aside, expect price competition from established defense contractors. Benchmark against similar military aircraft sensor procurements. Ensure your cost buildup includes labor, materials, testing, quality assurance, and any required technical data deliverables.
Quality and certification: Highlight your quality management system, traceability procedures, and any Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) approvals. Military aircraft components typically require rigorous inspection and documentation.
Past performance: Provide relevant contract histories, especially for brake system components or F-16 support. Include delivery metrics and any corrective action history.
Administrative completeness: Verify your SAM.gov registration is current through at least the award period. Attach required representations and certifications.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number FD202026Q0015 to obtain technical specifications, quantity, delivery schedule, and evaluation criteria
- Note the deadline: All offers must be received by October 16, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time — late submissions will not be considered
- Verify your SAM.gov registration and resolve any active exclusions or delinquencies before preparing your offer
- Assess place of performance and delivery requirements in the full document to confirm your operational capacity
View the official notice on SAM.gov →