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The 42nd Contracting Squadron, Maxwell AFB, Alabama is conducting market research to determine the existence of interested sources capable of providing services necessary to CASI Industrial Base. This is NOT a Request for Proposal, but instead a market research method to determine the availability of small business firms for a potential small businesses category type set-aside. NO AWARD will be made from this Sources Sought. See the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the general description, requirements, and specifications.

The purpose of this notice is to assess whether the Government can set this requirement aside for Small Business or another socio-economic concerns such as Certified 8(a), Certified HUB Zone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that have the skills, capabilities, and bonding necessary to perform the work required. All interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback via email to Mr. Brian D. Thornton, at Brian.Thornton.15@us.af.mil, and Ms. Kimberly A. Knott, at Kimberly.Knott.1@us.af.mil. All information provided will be used solely for the purposes of supporting market research and any set-aside decision. Additionally, the draft Performance Work Statement attached is available for comments to assist in refining the requirement. If you wish to provide comments/concerns on the Performance Work Statement, submit them as a separate document.

BACKGROUND: The mission of the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) is to advance understanding of the capabilities, development, operating concepts, strategy, doctrine, personnel, organization, and limitations of China's aerospace forces, which include: the PLA Air Force (PLAAF); PLA Naval Aviation (PLAN Aviation); PLA Army Aviation; PLA Rocket Force (PLARF); the Strategic Support Force (PLASSF), primarily space and cyber; the civilian and commercial infrastructure that supports the above.

PROJECT INFORMATION: The China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) project Analyzing China’s Aerospace Industrial Base conducts research on the development of the Chinese aerospace and defense industrial base with particular focus on the improvements of its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, the relationship between the PLA’s aerospace community and the civilian Aerospace and Defense (AD) industrial base, the role played by key AD-related corporations such as Aviation Industry of China (AVIC) Corp., and the formulation of long-term weapons development and innovation strategies. The objective of this project is to conduct research aimed at filling analytical gaps in our understanding of China’s aspirations to build more powerful aerospace forces. The project examines issues related to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), PLA Rocket Force (PLARF), PLA Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) and the Chinese Aerospace and Defense industrial base that supports these entities.

Interested vendors, please respond via email to both POCs above with statement of interest and relevant Capability Statement.

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS OR BIDS, AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.