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 released an RFP (FA489026R0015) for North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services. This competitive, full and open acquisition seeks non-personal services for air transportation of personnel, cargo, and supplies to NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic, supporting NORAD radar maintenance requirements. Proposals are due June 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide rotary airlift services, including main, supplemental, and bulk fuel airlifts, to NWS sites across five zones in the Canadian Arctic. This involves furnishing all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, and supervision. Services must comply with Canadian and Territorial laws and regulations, including the Canada Transportation Act and Aeronautics Act, and NIST SP 800-171 security requirements.
Key Requirements
- Aircraft & Crew: IFR/NVG capable aircraft and fully trained aircrews are required year-round for Main Rotary Airlift. Aircraft must have removable/foldable seating for at least eight passengers.
- Payload & Range: Minimum payload capacity of 1,850 pounds (excluding crew/contractor equipment) for a range of 150 nautical miles nonstop.
- Availability: At least one rotary aircraft per zone (Zones 1-5) for Main Airlift. Three rotary aircraft for Supplemental Airlift (June 1 - Sep 30 annually). Two rotary aircraft for Bulk Fuel Airlift (April 1 - Sep 30 annually), capable of transporting 1,500 liters of fuel per trip.
- Bulk Fuel Transfer: Comprehensive plan for simultaneous bulk fuel transfer operations at two locations, including explosive-proof diesel engines, pumps (min. 190 liters/minute), and specific hose/coupling requirements.
- Reliability: Maintain a 95% reliability rate, calculated quarterly.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation (RFP: FA489026R0015)
- Contract Type: Single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs.
- Period of Performance: Anticipated 11-month base period (Nov 30, 2026 - Sep 30, 2027) and four one-year option periods, extending through September 30, 2031.
- Set-Aside: 100% Full and Open Competition. Small Business Consideration does not apply as performance is outside the United States.
- NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (Size Standard: 1,500 employees).
- Place of Performance: NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic (e.g., Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, Goose Bay).
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: June 5, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Submission Method: Electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module. Alternate methods require prior CO approval.
- Proposal Structure: Two volumes: Technical (max 50 pages, excluding specific sections) and Price (no page limit).
- Evaluation: Best value source selection, with technical factors significantly more important than price. Technical evaluation includes Subfactor A (Technical Experience - must be 'Acceptable'), Subfactors B (Payload and Distance Requirements), and C (Operations).
- Pre-Proposal Conference: Anticipated May 21, 2026. Details to follow via amendment.
- Questions: Due no later than 15 calendar days after RFP release, by 1:00 PM ET.
Important Notes
Funds are not presently available, and no award will be made until funds are secured. The Government reserves the right to cancel the RFP. Offerors are responsible for continually monitoring PIEE for amendments and updates. Contact with government personnel is restricted to the listed Contract Managers and Contracting Officer.