Contractor support instrumentation integration and test flights for Snow4Flow..
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
NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole source contract to ALCI AVIATION LTD for Contractor support instrumentation integration and test flights for the Snow4Flow mission. This effort will support the Earth Venture Suborbital mission to measure seasonal snow depth and glacier thickness. While intended as sole source, interested organizations may submit capabilities for consideration. Responses are due by May 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide support for instrumentation integration and test flights for Snow4Flow. This includes modifying and operating an aircraft (Basler BT-67 or approved alternative) to fly specific instrument packages (ARES, CRESIS UWB Snow Radar, Riegl VQ-580II-S, RGB Camera). Key tasks involve engineering, integration, test flights, and deinstallation. The contractor must provide instrument racks, a minimum of 6 operator seats, assist with instrument engineering, and ensure compliance with FAA/TCCA airworthiness standards and NASA's airworthiness review process (NAII 7900.3). Up to 12 science and test flight hours are required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source (intended), with potential for competitive basis based on capabilities statements.
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)).
- Period of Performance: Engineering (June 1, 2026 – August 16, 2026), Integration (August 17, 2026 – August 29, 2026), Test flights (August 30, 2026 – September 5, 2026), Deinstall (September 6, 2026 – September 12, 2026).
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published: May 4, 2026.
Evaluation
NASA/NSSC intends to issue a sole source contract to ALCI AVIATION LTD, citing them as the sole provider. However, interested organizations may submit written capabilities and qualifications. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete is at the Government's discretion.
Additional Notes
- Performance will be located at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
- NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.
- Primary Point of Contact: Laura Quave, Procurement Specialist II, laura.a.quave@nasa.gov.