CBP AMO MQ-9 PREDATOR B/GUARDIAN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential vendors for MQ-9 Predator B/Guardian/SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operational and maintenance support services. This RFI aims to assess industry capabilities for a future competitive solicitation. Questions are due by May 27, 2026.
Scope of Work
CBP AMO seeks comprehensive operational and maintenance support for its MQ-9 UAS fleet, including current MQ-9A, MQ-9 Guardian, MQ-9 "Big Wing," and future MQ-9B SeaGuardian variants. Services include:
- Operational Support: 24/7 systems and program management support, multi-site launch/recovery, emergency operations, deployment planning (CONUS/OCONUS), FAA coordination, and compliance with CBP/DOD flight procedures.
- Maintenance Support: Line maintenance, in-depth troubleshooting, scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, power plant/component repair, aircraft conditional inspections, structural repairs, modifications, mission system integration, engineering services, supply/logistical support, and software maintenance.
- Proprietary Data: Vendors must be capable of supporting the proprietary GA-ASI MQ-9 system. The Government has limited data rights and will not procure or reimburse for necessary OEM licenses; contractors must obtain these at their own expense.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) – for market research and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation or promise to award a contract.
- NAICS: 488190 – Other Support Activities for Air Transportation.
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI stage).
- Questions Due: May 27, 2026, 2:00 P.M. (EST).
- Published: May 13, 2026.
Response Requirements
Interested vendors should submit responses (maximum 15 pages) detailing:
- Interest and Capabilities: Ability to provide MQ-9 operational and maintenance services per OEM plans, including various maintenance tasks, QA, FAA compliance, and engineering/logistical support.
- UAS Operational Support Experience: Experience with CBP's MQ-9 program or other agencies, 24/7 support, multi-site operations, OCONUS deployments, FAA coordination, and OEM liaison.
- UAS Air Vehicle Flight Line and Maintenance Support Experience: Experience maintaining MQ-9s to airworthiness standards, providing qualified personnel, preparing for missions, conducting training, managing sub-contracts, and coordinating technical documents.
- Technical Approach: General background, experience, certifications, management approach, current support capacity, cybersecurity, and experience with large UAS fleets.
- General Vendor Experience: Previous Government contracts, pricing arrangements, specialization, and experience with national security/law enforcement operations.
- Input and Feedback: Comments, questions, and recommendations on the RFI.
Submissions must include company name, POCs, DUNS, NAICS, and socioeconomic category. Electronic submissions must be in Microsoft Word 2013 or Acrobat Reader 10.0, under 50MB.
Additional Notes
Information submitted may be shared with Government support vendors under non-disclosure agreements.