Market Survey - Flight Testing Aircraft

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Market Survey Announcement from the FAA seeking information on potential sources for a flight testing aircraft. The FAA intends to use this aircraft for testing experimental Research & Development (R&D) unleaded fuels. The testing is expected to last approximately one year from award. The aircraft must be a Cessna high-wing model (172 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, or Q; or 182 N, P, or Q) with an updraft carbureted engine (O-470-U, O-360, O-320, or O-540). Specific airframe and engine requirements are detailed, including compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs), current annual inspection, and engine health below Time Between Overhaul (TBO) with good internal health.

This market survey is being conducted to determine competition levels and assist in determining the acquisition strategy for a future procurement or lease of a flight testing aircraft. The FAA is not seeking proposals at this time but requests a Capability Statement (max 3 pages) from interested parties addressing their ability to provide a suitable aircraft, whether it can be leased or procured, and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) for the cost. Submissions are due via email to Nicole.Saiauskie@faa.gov by 5:00 PM ET on March 4, 2026. Questions regarding the survey are due by 5:00 PM ET on February 23, 2026, to the same email address.

Market Survey Announcement

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically the Fuels and Energy Section (ANG-E283), is conducting a market survey to determine vendor capabilities for procuring or leasing a flight testing aircraft. This aircraft will be used for testing experimental Research & Development (R&D) unleaded fuels. The flight testing is expected to last approximately one year from award.

• Aircraft Type: One Cessna high-wing aircraft.

• Model Numbers: Must be one of the following: 172 E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, or Q; or 182 N, P, or Q.

• Engine: Must have an updraft carbureted engine, specifically 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 being issued a special airworthiness certificate for unleaded fuels testing.

• Engine Requirements: Preferably below Time Between Overhaul (TBO) with good engine health, within allowable oil consumption tolerances, good cylinder compression (>70/80psi hot differential), good internal engine health, magnetos serviced within TBO, ADs complied with, no oil leaks, and engine logbook documenting history since new. Preference for aircraft with installed engine monitors (e.g., Garm G1275).

• Capability Statement: Submit a brief Capability Statement (max 3 pages, 12pt font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced).

• Content: Address the ability to provide an aircraft meeting requirements, state if the aircraft can be leased or procured, and provide a rough order of magnitude (ROM) for cost.

• Deadline: Submit electronically by 5:00 PM ET on February 25, 2026, to Nicole.Saiauskie@faa.gov with the subject line "Flight Testing Aircraft Response to Market Survey".

• Deadline: Questions must be received by 5:00 PM ET on February 17, 2026, via email to Nicole.Saiauskie@faa.gov with the subject line "Question(s) for Flight Testing Aircraft Market Survey".

• The FAA is soliciting interest from large businesses, small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, women owned small businesses, HubZone small businesses, and 8(a) certified firms.

• The acquisition strategy (unrestricted, set-aside, etc.) will be determined based on market survey responses.

• This is a market survey only; the FAA is not seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals.

• The FAA will not pay for any information received or costs incurred in preparing responses.

• Participation does not guarantee future business.

• Any confidential or proprietary information must be marked accordingly.