Solicitation - Repair of the C-5 Automated Flight Control System Panel (AFCSP) and Communication/Navigation Panel (CNP)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE SUSTAINMENT CENTER.FA8538 AFSC PZAAB · Response deadline: Fri, 09 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Air Force Sustainment Center is soliciting bids for repair services of the C-5 Automated Flight Control System Panel (AFCSP) and Communication/Navigation Panel (CNP). These are critical avionics components for the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, one of the largest military transport aircraft in the U.S. inventory. The AFCSP manages flight control automation, while the CNP houses radio and navigation equipment—both essential for safe long-range strategic airlift missions.
This is a repair-and-return or repair-by-exchange contract typical of depot-level maintenance for aging weapon systems. C-5 avionics repair work generally requires specialized capabilities: precision electronics troubleshooting, testing on certified automated test equipment, and compliance with military specifications for airworthy components. Contractors in this space typically hold AS9100 certification and have experience with military Standard Data (SD) formats for reporting repair actions.
Work will take place in California, a state with significant aerospace repair infrastructure due to its long history of military aviation and defense manufacturing.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | FA8538-27-R-B002 |
| NAICS | 336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 9, 2026, 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | California |
NAICS 336413 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing or overhauling aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, excluding engines and propulsion. This classification aligns with avionics panel repair and refurbishment.
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning all responsibly qualified businesses—large or small—may submit proposals. However, the technical and quality requirements for C-5 avionics repair create substantial barriers to entry.
Ideal bidders typically demonstrate:
- AS9100D quality management system certification (aerospace standard)
- FAA repair station certificate or military equivalent (see the solicitation for specific approval requirements)
- Prior Defense Logistics Agency or OEM repair experience with similar avionics
- Capability to handle military technical data and proprietary Lockheed Martin interfaces
- Secure facility capacity for handling classified or sensitive avionics (see the solicitation for classification level)
Small businesses without established C-5 or comparable strategic airlift avionics experience should evaluate teaming arrangements. Prime contractors often subcontract specialized testing or seek partners with existing Air Force repair approvals.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the technical complexity and full-and-open competitive environment:
Technical approach: Emphasize your repair methodology for legacy avionics—static testing, environmental stress screening, and bit-error rate validation for digital components in these mixed-signal panels. Address obsolescence management directly; C-5 avionics rely on components no longer in production. Detail your sourcing strategy for hard-to-find integrated circuits and connectors.
Past performance: Cite specific contracts for military aircraft avionics repair, ideally on USAF mobility platforms (C-5, C-17, KC-135, KC-46). Include Contracting Officer references and CPARS ratings. If you hold existing FA8538 workload, highlight continuity and familiarity with AFSC processes.
Quality and certifications: Obtain or verify AS9100D and any Nadcap accreditation for electronics. Confirm your calibration program meets ISO 17025 or MIL-STD-45662A requirements. See the solicitation for mandatory quality clauses.
Pricing strategy: Repair contracts typically use hourly labor rates, material markup factors, and estimated-non-definitized pricing for emergent repairs. Analyze historical C-5 avionics repair data if available through FPDS. Consider risk-sharing mechanisms like cost ceilings or not-to-exceed arrangements for unknown component failures.
Proposal compliance: Air Force Materiel Command solicitations often require detailed responses to specific instructions. Map every solicitation paragraph to your response; missing attachments or unsigned certifications are common disqualifiers.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number FA8538-27-R-B002. Review technical exhibits, deliverables schedules, and security requirements carefully. Note the response deadline of October 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time—AFSC typically enforces this strictly with no late submissions accepted. Begin preparing your proposal immediately if this opportunity aligns with your capabilities, as legacy avionics proposals require substantial documentation.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →