Aviation-Grade American Flag with Rigging and Hardware

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Justification for Sole Source acquisition for custom manufacturing and delivery of two (2) oversized (130 ft x 216 ft) aviation-grade United States flags (50-star). These flags are required for aerial-tow operations by a U.S. Marine Corps MH-53 helicopter at speeds exceeding 60 knots.

• Custom manufacturing and delivery of two oversized (130 ft x 216 ft) aviation-grade U.S. flags.

• Flags must be engineered using specialized, high-strength, tear-resistant fabric rated for aerial-tow operations.

• Must withstand extreme aerodynamic loads and dynamic stress at speeds over 60 knots without structural failure.

• Must maintain a weight limit of under 400 lbs per flag.

• Includes remote technical engineering consultation for the Marine Corps In-Flight Review (IFR).

• Provision of all necessary aviation-grade rigging and attachment hardware.

• Estimated cost: Not explicitly stated, but the document is for simplified acquisitions up to $250K.

• Required Delivery Date: Within a 45-day production lead time from contract award (ASAP).

This document is a justification for sole source, indicating that a full and open competition is precluded. The specific vendor is Flag Center.

This is a sole source justification, not an open solicitation with set-aside requirements.

• The critical timeline is driven by the mandatory flight testing for the July 4, 2026, International Aerial Review (IAR).
• Flag Center is identified as the sole source due to unique capabilities in extreme aerodynamic engineering, specialized material science, aviation safety, rigging compatibility, and their ability to meet the inflexible 45-day lead time with immediate material stockpiles and production capacity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the custom manufacturing and delivery of one oversized, aviation-grade United States Flag. The flag is intended for the opening of the International Aerial Review (IAR) in commemoration of the Nation's 250th birthday and is designed to be the largest flag flown over New York City. It will be engineered for towing by a U.S. Marine Corps MH-53 helicopter and tested to withstand extreme dynamic loads.

• One (1) custom-manufactured, aviation-grade U.S. Flag.

• Dimensions: 130 feet by 216 feet.

• Material: High-strength, tear-resistant, aviation-grade fabric suitable for continuous flight exceeding 60 knots.

• Weight & Packaging: Certified weight (estimated 400 lbs or less), secured in a container or palletized system for forklift handling and long-term storage.

• Rigging & Hardware: All necessary aviation-grade rigging hardware (e.g., reinforced header, heavy-duty grommets/D-rings, cabling, bottom ballast/weighting systems) to attach to an MH-53 cargo hook.

• Vendor Technical Support: Remote consultation (phone/email) for engineering or rigging questions during testing.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Delivery within a maximum 45-day production lead time.

• Delivery Date: By 19 June 2026.

• Submission: Quotes are due by 04 May 2026, 09:00 AM.

• Submission Instructions: Submit to Contracting Officer Shaina Sollenberger via email (shaina.m.sollenberger.civ@us.navy.mil). Quotes must comply with detailed format and content instructions. Submissions in Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Office Word, or Excel are acceptable.

• Evaluation: The Government will award to the responsible Offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering price and other factors. Initial quotes should contain best terms from a price and technical standpoint. A technically acceptable quote matches the item and quantity in the statement of work. Price analysis will be used to evaluate price reasonableness.

• This acquisition is a 100% set-aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 314999, Size Standard: 550 employees.

• The flag will undergo an In-Flight Review (IFR) by a Marine Corps Test and Evaluation squadron.

• Delivery Address: Hangar 101, Room 111, 47765 Ranch Road, Patuxent River MD 20670.

• Service Performance Days: Monday - Friday, Preferred Time: NLT 12:00 PM.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to contract terms, conditions, evaluation, and offeror representations and certifications.