Dover AFB - Aircraft Prep and Paint (KC-10, C-133, C-124, C-45)
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 Department of the Air Force is seeking proposals for Aircraft Prep and Paint services for four static display artifact aircraft (KC-10A, C-133B, C-124A, C-45G) at the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum, Dover AFB, DE. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside solicitation. Proposals are due May 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform corrosion control, surface preparation, and historically accurate exterior painting for the specified aircraft. This includes photo documentation, power washing, sanding, corrosion treatment, and applying primer and exterior coatings. Paint schemes must adhere to museum-approved colors, markings, and insignia, with specific Color Markings and Insignia (CMI) documents provided for the C-124A, C-133B, and C-45G. The paint does not require airworthiness certification, but must provide a cosmetic and protective finish with a one-year warranty against flaking, peeling, or chalking. Painting will occur in-place on the AMC Museum aircraft ramp.
Key Requirements & Environmental Compliance
- Paint Specifications: All proposed primers, paints, and topcoats MUST have a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of less than 50 grams per liter (<50 g/l). Direct to Metal (DTM) water-based latex paint is specified, with no substitutes allowed. Rollers are required for application; spray guns are prohibited.
- Submission Requirements: Offerors must submit the Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for their proposed paint to verify VOC compliance, along with their total estimated paint volume (in gallons) required for all four aircraft. This information is critical for securing final exemption confirmation from the State of Delaware prior to contract award.
- Experience: Contractors must have a minimum of 5 years' experience painting large-scale USAF artifact aircraft.
- Safety & Security: Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, safety, and health regulations (e.g., AF Pamphlet 91-210, OSHA) is mandatory. Background checks are required for unescorted base access.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Period of Performance: June 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (for each aircraft)
- NAICS Code: 488190 (Aircraft Manufacturing), Size Standard: $40,000,000.00
- Offer Due Date: May 13, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
- Site Visit: A mandatory site visit is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT at the AMC Museum, Dover AFB, DE. RSVP is required by May 4, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT to 2Lt Jonathan Goodwin and 2Lt Travis Ambrose.
- Questions Due: May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
Evaluation
Award will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. Technical proposals will be evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable." Offerors must have current SAM registration. Quotes should be submitted in two volumes (Price and Technical) and not exceed 15 pages.
Additional Notes
No bid guarantee, performance bond, or payment bond is required for this commercial service acquisition.