2026 Joint Base Charleston Air Show Sound Equipment

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the 2026 Charleston Airshow Sound RFQ (FA441826Q0014).

• Separation of Audio/Video: The sound system portion of the RFQ cannot be separated from the video and/or jumbotron requirements; they must be proposed together.
• Line-Array Speaker Requirement: There is no specific requirement for line-array speakers. The primary need is to ensure adequate show line coverage and that the audio in the crowd meets contract requirements, aiming for a premium sound product.
• Alternative Speaker Designs: Alternative speaker system designs are permissible, provided they meet the overall performance and coverage requirements (refer to clarification on line-array speakers).
• Delivery and Removal Dates: Earliest delivery and setup can begin on the 29th at 0700. Removal can commence at 1730 on May 3rd. Overnight access is not permitted, and the latest entry to the base is 1959.

These clarifications may affect how bidders approach their proposals, particularly regarding system design choices and logistical planning for setup and removal.

Amendment / Modification

• The response due date for the solicitation has been extended.

• The original due date was March 6, 2026, at 2:00 P.M.

• The new due date is March 11, 2026, at 2:00 P.M.

• An attachment titled "Questions and Answers 2" has been added.

• Solicitation/Contract Form: Response Due Date

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to March 11, 2026, at 2:00 P.M.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide audio and visual services, including a public address (PA) system, for the 2026 Charleston Air Show.

• Provide all personnel, tools, labor, materials, equipment, management, supervision, coordination, and transportation necessary for the air show's sound and visual/PA system.

• Ensure all team members are qualified and experienced.

• Set up and test all equipment to be operational before the air show, with a minimum of one successful performance test on April 30, 2026.

• Provide sound projection for crowds of 30,000+ guests, covering approximately 1,812 feet of crowd line with high-fidelity sound and PA coverage.

• Ability to broadcast sound at least 500 feet into the crowd, with modulation capabilities for quieter areas.

• Ensure safe and fully functional equipment.

• Provide redundant VHF radios for communication with airshow participants and Air Traffic Control.

• Operate a multiple-channel sound mixing system.

• Provide a minimum of three wired and three wireless microphones with stands.

• Provide audio playback capabilities (CD, tape, mini-CD, computer, iPod).

• Provide separate air boss/narrator workstations.

• Provide miscellaneous appurtenant items and accommodations for quality sound engineering and performance.

• Provide sound projection suitable for music and speech at loud but pleasing volumes.

• Provide two audio output connections for direct recording from the sound system.

• Provide an announcer stage or elevated viewing platform (10'x10', 8ft height).

• Provide necessary staff and sound technicians for setup, operation, and tear-down.

• Provide a minimum of two 17x10 LED screens visible in outdoor lighting for displaying event information, live updates, and cockpit footage.

• Location: Joint Base Charleston, Charleston AFB, SC 29404.

• Period: Planning, arrival, practice, and execution of the Charleston Air Show from April 30, 2026, to May 3, 2026.

• Arrival no later than April 30, 2026.

• Departure no earlier than 1800 EST on May 3, 2026, unless approved otherwise.

• Contractor must provide their own independent self-contained power sources with backup if the organizer cannot.

• Contractor must report all incidents of damage, destruction, injury, or death.

• Contractor must maintain personal liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.

• All personnel must abide by JBC security instructions and directives.

• Offeror must provide a list of vehicles/trailers intended to be brought onto base.

• Government will provide two non-smoking rooms for lodging and one courtesy/rental car if ground transportation is required. Contractor is responsible for sundry items and any vehicle damage/misuse.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide comprehensive audio/public address system and sound services for the Charleston Air Show, themed "Heroes of Flight," scheduled for April 19-21, 2024, at Joint Base Charleston (JBC).

• Provide all necessary personnel, tools, labor, materials, equipment, management, supervision, coordination, and transportation for the air show sound/public address system.

• Ensure all equipment is set up and operational prior to aerial acts practice on Thursday, April 18th, and remains operational through 1600 on Sunday, April 21st.

• Conduct sound tests and achieve a minimum of one successful performance test by 628 CONS on April 18th.

• Provide sound projection for an estimated crowd of 30,000+ guests per day, with full-range sound, high-fidelity coverage, and a minimum of 1000 watts of D-Class audio power.

• Place speakers approximately every 100 feet along the crowd line, about 10 feet high, to ensure optimal coverage.

• Broadcast sound a minimum of 500 feet into the crowd, with the ability to modulate sound down in specific areas (e.g., VIP tents).

• Provide a trailer platform or equivalent for the Air Boss, Announcer, and other team members.

• Integrate cockpit radio traffic and VHF/UHF air-to-ground radio communication into the PA system.

• Provide multiple audio output connections for recording.

• Ensure no breaks in sound reproduction, except for scheduled pauses or emergency notifications.

• Equipment must be operational and tested by April 18th.

• Sound system must provide high-fidelity coverage for a crowd of 30,000+.

• Speakers must be placed optimally for crowd coverage.

• Sound must be broadcast at appropriate volumes for different areas.

• Location: Joint Base Charleston, Charleston AFB, SC 29404.

• Period: Planning, arrival, practice, and execution of the Charleston Air Show, from April 18-21, 2024. Contractor shall arrive no later than April 18th and depart no earlier than 1800 EST on April 21st, unless otherwise coordinated.

• Contractor team members must be certified and experienced in audio services and air shows.

• Contractor must have experience with deep-crowd speaker clusters and custom production values enhancement programming.

• Contractor must provide their own independent self-contained power sources with backup if the organizer cannot.

• All personnel must abide by JBC security instructions.

• Contractor must provide a list of vehicles/trailers intended to be brought onto base.

• Government will provide lodging for two non-smoking rooms and a courtesy golf cart. Contractor is responsible for ground transportation and any sundry item costs for lodging.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Modification 0001) to Solicitation FA441826Q0014, dated 26 Feb 2026, makes the following changes:

• Incorporates SOW Revision 1: The Statement of Work has been updated.

• Attaches Questions and Answers: Responses to vendor questions are now included.

• Modifies CLIN Descriptions: The descriptions for CLINs 0003 and 0004 have been changed.

• Line Item 0003: The description for "Termination Cost if Order Cancelled" has been modified. The new description clarifies that costs incurred on or before 22 Mar 2026 are informational/planning purposes only and will not be part of the award decision.

• Line Item 0004: The description for "Termination Cost if Order Cancelled" has been modified. The new description clarifies that costs incurred on or before 22 Mar 2026 are informational/planning purposes only and will not be part of the award decision.

• Attachments: The following attachments have been added:

  • PRIOR 2024 Airshow SOW - FY24 Air Show Sound Equipment
  • Questions and Answers
  • SOW - FY26 Air Show Sound Equipment - Rev 1

Bidders should review the revised SOW, the attached Questions and Answers, and the updated CLIN descriptions carefully. The effective date of this amendment is 03 Mar 2026. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the 2026 Charleston Airshow Sound opportunity (FA441826Q0014).

• Budget: Funds are currently available for the project.

• Previous Expenditure: The prior award for a similar event (FA441824P0023) was $22,589. The SOW for that event is attached for comparison.

• Lodging Occupancy: Two non-smoking rooms will be provided. Dual occupancy is acceptable, provided it is requested and can be supported.

• Contractor Lodging: Contractors are not required to stay in government-provided lodging and may use their own off-base lodging at no cost to the government.

• Event Schedule: Gates will open at 0900 and close by 1700. The public address system operation is expected from 0850 to 1710 daily.

• Certifications: The requirement for team members to be "certified" has been removed from the SOW.

• The clarification regarding contractor lodging may offer flexibility to bidders.

• The removal of the certification requirement simplifies a previously stated condition.

• The provided event timeline aids in planning crew shifts and generator fuel requirements.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide audio and visual services, including a public address system, for the 2026 Charleston Air Show at Joint Base Charleston (JBC) from April 30 to May 3, 2026.

• Provide all personnel, tools, labor, materials, equipment, management, supervision, coordination, and transportation necessary for the air show's sound and visual/public address system.

• Ensure all team members are certified and meet requirements.

• Set up and test all equipment to be operational by Thursday, April 30, 2026, and remain operational through May 3, 2026.

• Provide sound projection for an estimated crowd of 30,000+ guests daily, covering the crowd line (approx. 1,812 feet) and extending at least 500 feet into the crowd, with modulation for specific areas (e.g., VIP tents).

• Deliver high-fidelity, full-range sound with a minimum of 1000 watts of D-Class audio power.

• Ensure safe and functional equipment, with provisions for deep-crowd speaker clusters as needed.

• Maintain continuous sound, with pauses only for scheduled events or emergencies.

• Utilize redundant VHF radios for communication with airshow participants and Air Traffic Control.

• Implement a multiple-channel sound mixing system for balanced audio.

• Provide a minimum of three wired and three wireless microphones with stands.

• Offer capabilities for CD, tape, mini-CD, computer, and iPod playback.

• Establish separate workstations for the air boss, narrator, and air show director.

• Provide equipment to pipe cockpit radio traffic into the sound system and broadcast VHF/UHF air-to-ground radio communication.

• Offer two stereo, balanced audio output connections for press recording.

• Provide an announcer stage or elevated viewing platform (10'x10', 8ft height) with guard rails and steps.

• Provide necessary staff and technicians for setup, operation, and tear-down.

• Supply two 17x10 LED screens for displaying event information, live updates, and cockpit footage.

• Location: Joint Base Charleston, Charleston AFB, S.C. 29404.

• Period: Planning, arrival, practice, and execution of the Charleston Air Show from April 30 - May 3, 2026.

• Contractor arrival no later than April 30, 2026. Departure no earlier than 1800 EST on May 3, 2026, unless approved.

• Government will provide two non-smoking rooms for lodging (contractor covers sundry items).

• Contractor is responsible for ground transportation; a courtesy rental car and golf cart will be provided.

• Contractor must report all incidents of damage, destruction, injury, or death.

• Contractor must maintain personal liability insurance.

• Contractor must provide their own independent self-contained power source and backup generator, ensuring noise mitigation.

• All personnel must abide by JBC security instructions.

• Offeror must provide a list of vehicles/trailers intended for base entry.

• The 2024 Ramp Layout is provided; the 2026 Ramp Layout will be provided once finalized.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA441826Q0014) is for sound equipment for the FY26 Joint Base Charleston Airshow. The acquisition is set aside 100% for small business.

• Sound equipment services (excluding power supply) as detailed in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Power supply.

• Potential termination costs if the order is cancelled on specific dates (March 22, 2026, or April 1, 2026).

• The solicitation number is FA441826Q0014.

• The NAICS code is 532490 with a size standard of $40,000,000.00.

• The period of performance for the delivery of services is from April 30, 2026, to May 3, 2026.

• The offer due date is March 6, 2026, at 02:00 PM.

• Evaluation will be based on Price and Past Performance, in that order of importance.

• Price will be evaluated by the total quoted price for the base requirement plus four option years.

• Past Performance will be evaluated for recency and relevancy, with ratings ranging from Substantial Confidence to No Confidence.

• The government may award to the responsible vendor whose quote is most advantageous, considering price and other factors.

• This acquisition is set aside 100% for small business.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference and in full text, including those related to electronic submission of payment requests, contract administration, and various representations and certifications.

• The attached "List of Attachments" indicates a "SOW - FY26 Air Show Sound Equipment" which is a "Performance Work Statement" dated February 26, 2026.