Justification For an Exception to Fair Opportunity, Air to Air Refueling Task Order
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 Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division, has posted a Justification For An Exception To Fair Opportunity (JEFO) for an Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) Task Order. This JEFO applies to vendors under the AAR MAC N00421-21-D-0033 and N00421-21-D-0034. The justification supports a direct task order to Omega Aerial Refueling Services (OARS) for critical AAR services, citing OARS as the only responsible source capable of meeting unique requirements without unacceptable delays.
Scope of Work
This action procures contracted AAR services utilizing OARS' aerial refueling capabilities. Key requirements include:
- Contractor-owned and operated aircraft to fulfill critical AAR needs for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) missions within the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
- Services encompass carrying qualified non-crewmembers and providing associated pack-up lists (PUK).
- A specific AAR system capable of providing necessary time on station and fuel offload capacity for long-distance AAR missions.
- Support for various US Air Force receiver aircraft, including B-1B, B-52H, C-17A, F-15C/D/E/EX, F-16C/D, F-22A, F-35A, KC-46A, and MC-130J.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity (JEFO) for a direct task order.
- Contractor: Omega Aerial Refueling Services (OARS).
- Period of Performance: June 15, 2026 – June 14, 2027 (base period + fifteen option periods).
- Total Estimated Value: $46,625,940.00 (dry contract/less fuel).
- Funding Type: Operations & Maintenance, Air Force.
- Published Date: June 16, 2026.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This action is taken as an exception to fair opportunity, citing FAR 16.507-6(b)(2). OARS is identified as the sole responsible source capable of meeting the highly specialized requirements without unacceptable delays or service interruptions.
Additional Notes
OARS' aircraft is stated to be the only single type/model/series aircraft with a USN Interim Flight Clearance (IFC) to immediately satisfy the requirements for all specified receiver aircraft, including the KC-46A. Other contractors under the MA/IDIQ contract do not possess aircraft with the necessary capacity, capability, or IFCs. The anticipated cost has been determined to be fair and reasonable based on previously approved MAC level rates. This announcement is not a contract, request for proposal, or a commitment of any kind.