Market Survey - Flight Testing Aircraft
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically the Fuels and Energy Section (ANG-E283), is conducting a Market Survey to identify vendors capable of providing a flight testing aircraft for experimental Research & Development (R&D) unleaded fuels. The testing is anticipated to last approximately one year. Responses are due by February 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Overview
This market survey aims to determine industry capabilities for either procuring or leasing a suitable aircraft. The information gathered will inform the FAA's acquisition strategy for this critical R&D effort, which will take place in Atlantic City, NJ.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
The required aircraft is a Cessna high-wing aircraft, specifically models 172 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, or Q; or 182 N, P, or Q. Key specifications include:
- Engine: Updraft carbureted engine (O-470-U, O-360, O-320, or O-540).
- Airframe: Fixed landing gear, all current Airworthiness Directives (ADs) complied with, current annual inspection, and capable of receiving a special airworthiness certificate for unleaded fuels testing.
- Engine Health: Preferably below Time Between Overhaul (TBO), good engine health, within oil consumption tolerances, good cylinder compression (>70/80psi hot differential), good internal engine health, magnetos serviced within TBO, no oil leaks, and a complete engine logbook. Preference for aircraft with installed engine monitors.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties must submit a brief Capability Statement (maximum 3 pages, 12pt font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced). The statement should address the ability to provide an aircraft meeting the requirements, indicate whether the aircraft can be leased or procured, and include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for cost.
Questions & Clarifications
Questions regarding this market survey must be submitted via email to Nicole.Saiauskie@faa.gov by February 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with the subject line "Question(s) for Flight Testing Aircraft Market Survey."
Eligibility / Set-Aside
The FAA is soliciting interest from a broad range of businesses, including large businesses, small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, women-owned small businesses, HubZone small businesses, and 8(a) certified firms. The final acquisition strategy (e.g., unrestricted, set-aside) will be determined based on the responses received from this market survey.
Notes
This is a market survey for planning purposes only. The FAA is not seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals and will not pay for any information received or costs incurred in preparing responses. Participation does not guarantee future business opportunities. Any confidential or proprietary information should be clearly marked.