MH-65 Temporary Sanding Space
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 U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) is conducting a Sources Sought (RFI) for an 18-month temporary sanding space solution to support MH-65 fleet restoration efforts. This solution must provide a contained environment for surface preparation within existing hangar facilities, mitigating hazardous particulates and flammable dusts. Responses are due May 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Coast Guard requires a portable enclosure system (e.g., inflatable, modular fabric structures) for aircraft sanding and surface preparation. This system must create a controlled environment that meets or exceeds OSHA, EPA, and NFPA requirements. Key capabilities, detailed in Attachment 1, include:
- Structural and Fire Safety: Compliance with NFPA 33 (non-combustible/fire-retardant materials), NFPA 409, and NFPA 410. Must be securely anchorable in an aircraft hangar.
- Ventilation and Environmental Controls: Maintain negative pressure, feature an explosion-proof exhaust system (NFPA 91), and include filtration systems for hexavalent chromium and cadmium-contaminated dust with manometer monitoring. Integration with source-capture vacuum systems is required.
- Electrical and Ignition Source Control: Compliance with NFPA 70 (NEC) for Class I, Division 1 or 2 electrical components.
- Safety and Operational Features: Information on integrated fire suppression, multi-chamber design (clean entry, transition/decontamination, work zones), intrinsically safe communication systems, and details on training, maintenance, and inspection schedules.
- Additional Requirements: A three-chamber system, dedicated ports for HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums and downdraft tables, HEPA filtration (99.97% at 0.3 microns), temperature and humidity control, and space for 4-6 downdraft tables (approx. 3'x6' each with 3ft clearance). Interior surfaces must be smooth to prevent residue buildup.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (RFI)
- Agency: Department of Homeland Security / US Coast Guard ALC
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. EDT (as extended by Amendment 1)
- Published: April 27, 2026 (latest update)
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should provide company information (name, address, website, POC, socioeconomic status, UEI), details on existing government contracts, required government resources, and general feedback. Responses should include a capability statement, company literature, or brochures demonstrating the ability to meet performance objectives. Submissions that do not meet the required capabilities outlined in Attachment 1 will not be considered. Electronic copies should be sent to Selmary.MelendezGonzalez3@uscg.mil with the subject line "MH-65 Temporary Sanding Space RFI Submission, Company Name".
Evaluation
Responses will inform the Coast Guard's acquisition planning. After evaluation, the USCG may issue a separate Request for Proposals (RFP). If multiple qualified suppliers are identified, a source selection process will consider technical solution alignment, proposed schedule, and affordability to determine best value. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not obligate the Government to award a contract.