North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services
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 Air Force (USAF), ACC Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC) has issued a Presolicitation Notice for North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services in the Canadian Arctic. This opportunity seeks nonpersonal services for airlift of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL), cargo, supplies, and personnel to NWS sites, supporting NORAD radar maintenance requirements for both the U.S. and Canada. The resulting contract will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) line items.
Scope of Work
The contractor will furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, and supervision to perform rotary airlift services. This includes:
- Main Rotary Airlift: Providing at least one IFR/NVG-capable rotary aircraft per zone (Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, Goose Bay) with a minimum 1,850 lbs payload capacity and 150 NM nonstop range.
- Supplemental Rotary Airlift: Three rotary aircraft for 24-hour service (12-hour duty day) from June 1 to September 30 annually, capable of precision sling and cargo basket transport.
- Bulk Fuel Rotary Airlift: A minimum of two rotary aircraft capable of transporting 1,500 liters of fuel per trip for an annual anticipated transfer of 1.65M liters, including fuel transfer pumps and spill response materials.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Presolicitation (anticipated FFP with CR line items)
- Period of Performance: 30-day transition, 11-month base period (anticipated Nov 30, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027), and four one-year option periods (through Sep 30, 2031).
- NAICS Code: 481211 – Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (Size Standard: 1,500 employees).
- Set-Aside: 100% Full and Open Competition. Small Business Consideration (FAR Part 19) does not apply as performance is outside the United States.
- Place of Performance: North Warning System sites in the Canadian Arctic.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be based on a best value tradeoff source selection, with technical factors significantly more important than price. Key technical evaluation areas include:
- Technical Experience: Demonstrating similar scope of work for at least 12 months within the last five years, including arctic operations.
- Payload and Distance Requirements: Rotary aircraft and crews certified for NVG and IFR flight, capacity to transport 1,850 lbs, availability of one rotary aircraft in each of 5 Zones, and capability to transport payload 150 nautical miles nonstop.
- Operations: A comprehensive plan for simultaneous bulk fuel transfer operations at two locations, complying with Canadian safety requirements.
Key Dates & Submission
- Comments/Questions on Presolicitation Due: April 29, 2026, 1:00 PM ET.
- Anticipated Final Solicitation Issue: On or about May 5, 2026.
- Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference: On or about May 19, 2026 (two weeks after final solicitation posting).
- Anticipated Proposal Receipt: On or about June 5, 2026.
- Anticipated Award Date: On or about October 12, 2026.
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module. Questions on the final solicitation are due 15 calendar days after its release.
Important Notes
Funds are not presently available, and no award will be made until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this acquisition. Contact with government personnel, other than the listed Contracting Officer and Contract Managers, is strictly prohibited. Offerors are advised to submit fully acceptable proposals initially, as the Government may make a final determination based on the initial submission.