Foreign Adversary Air Support
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 United States Marine Corps is conducting a Sources Sought for Foreign Adversary Air Support Services to support the semi-annual Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona. This effort aims to identify qualified contractors capable of providing comprehensive adversary aircraft and support services. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Capability statements are requested by May 1, 2026.
Purpose & Background
The Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) requires realistic Adversary Force (ADFOR) simulation for its WTI course. The objective is to contract for aircraft, systems, and qualified personnel to simulate threat aircraft and tactics, providing a challenging training environment for Marine Corps aviators.
Scope of Requirements
The Government seeks contractors to provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and support for adversary air services. Key requirements include:
- Rotary-Wing Adversary Support: Provide a dissimilar rotary-wing aggressor aircraft (e.g., Mi-24 HIND, Mi-17 HIP, or comparable foreign attack helicopter) capable of using tracking pods. Up to 50 flight hours per course.
- Fixed-Wing Adversary Support (Optional): Capability to provide a fixed-wing aggressor aircraft (e.g., L-39, SU-25, or comparable foreign platform). Up to 12 flight hours per course if option exercised.
- Surrogate Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Adversary Support (Optional): Capability to provide a light civil aircraft replicating a one-way attack drone (e.g., Shahed 136). Up to 15 flight hours per course if option exercised.
- Aircrew Qualifications: Pilots must hold a minimum SECRET security clearance, be FAA-authorized with a current FAA Medical Certificate, and have at least 2,000 total flight hours (or be a graduate of an advanced military weapons school). Pilots must also have 250 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) in respective aircraft (or 75 hours PIC if a graduate of specific weapons schools).
- General Support: Provide maintenance, logistics, qualified personnel, attend WTI courses/conferences, and offer academic instruction on adversary aircraft capabilities and tactics. Comply with MCAS Yuma regulations.
- Place of Performance: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona and the Yuma Range Complex.
Contract Details
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Period of Performance: Anticipated 12-month base year with four (4) one-year option periods.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Submission Information
Interested parties should submit a capability statement detailing their ability to meet the requirements, including information on available aircraft, aircrew qualifications and experience, maintenance and logistics capabilities, and past performance on similar contracts.
Additional Notes
This is a sources sought notice for market research purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). It does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Response Due: May 1, 2026. Published: April 14, 2026.