Intent to Sole Source - Onyx RAM-T 40 and Kits

This is not a solicitation, and quotes are not being accepted at this time.

The 355th Contracting Squadron intends to issue a sole-source contract action for procurement of the following items:

- CLIN 0001 - Rigged Alternate Method-Tandem (RAM-T) 40s - QTY 18

- CLIN 0002 - RAM-T 40 Accessory Kits - QTY 9

Commercial Market Research & Distribution Strategy: Open market research, past procurement reviews, and technical reviews confirmed that while other tethered-tandem cargo systems exist, none match the proprietary geometry, dimensions, and rigging integration tested and approved in TB 25-16. Furthermore, communications with the manufacturer (Onyx Industries) confirmed that for stateside procurements, they sell direct to the Government or through prime vendors for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). As this requirement is not being procured through DLA, a direct sole-source award to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the most efficient and practical acquisition strategy. Sole Source / Small Business Determination: Onyx Industries is confirmed as the manufacturer and sole supplier of the certified RAM-T 40 system outside of DLA channels.0

The requested items will enable 304 RQS pararescue teams to safely conduct C-130 aircraft Military Tandem Tethered Bundle (MTTB) aerial insertion operations for boats assigned to the unit. These operations are conducted using pre-established Combat Ready Insertion Barrel (CRIB) procedures in conjunction with the Onyx RAM-T 40 modular air delivery solution which increases the unit's ability to conduct maritime rescue and Isolated Personnel recovery missions. CRIB (Onyx RAM-T 40) is a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product providing for standardized rigging and deployment procedures that are used during maritime recovery missions of Isolated Personnel. CRIB (Onyx RAM-T 40) has been fully tested on the C-130 airframe and equipment preparation procedures are described in USAF Tactics Bulletin (TB) 25-16, dated 3 March 2026. Additionally, this testing and evaluation performed by the 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron has resulted in the development of the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) documentation specific to the Onyx RAM-T 40 product and outlined in TB 25-16.

All interested/capable parties should respond no later than 9/03/2026 at 11:00am PDT to the POCs identified within this notice. Responses received will be reviewed in detail; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. Information received will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or not. The 355th Contracting Office will not reimburse parties for any costs connected with providing capability information.