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 procurement seeks non-personal services for air transportation of personnel, cargo, and supplies to NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic. The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs, awarded using best value source selection procedures. Proposals are due June 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide rotary airlift services to NWS sites across five zones in the Canadian Arctic, supporting the NWS Office and coordinating with the NWS Operations and Maintenance contractor. Services include main rotary airlift, supplemental rotary airlift (June 1 - Sept 30 annually), and bulk fuel transport. This effort is critical for NORAD radar maintenance requirements under an international agreement between the U.S. and Canada.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs.
- Period of Performance: An 11-month base period (anticipated Nov 30, 2026 - Sept 30, 2027) and four one-year option periods (extending through Sept 30, 2031).
- NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation.
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees.
- Set-Aside: None. This is a 100% full and open competition; Small Business Consideration does not apply as performance is outside the United States.
- Place of Performance: NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic (see PWS Appendix 1 for locations).
Key Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate capability to provide rotary aircraft and crews certified for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations (at least one NVG-capable aircraft per zone). Aircraft must have a minimum payload capacity of 1,850 lbs and a nonstop range of 150 nautical miles. The contractor must ensure availability of at least one rotary aircraft in each of the five zones simultaneously. Bulk fuel transfer operations require two aircraft capable of transporting 1,500 liters per trip, with specific pump and hose requirements, and a plan for simultaneous operations at two locations. A 95% reliability rate is a performance standard. Compliance with Canadian laws and NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements is mandatory.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module by June 5, 2026, 3:00 PM ET. Alternate submission methods require prior approval. Proposals consist of two volumes: Technical (50-page limit, excluding certain sections) and Price (no page limit). Evaluation will be a best-value tradeoff, with technical factors significantly more important than price. Technical experience (similar scope in the arctic for 12 months within 5 years) is a critical subfactor. The Government reserves the right to award without negotiations.
Important Notes
A pre-proposal conference is anticipated on or about May 21, 2026. Details will be provided via amendment. Questions regarding the RFP are due no later than 15 calendar days after the release date (May 16, 2026, 1:00 PM EST). Funds are not presently available, and award is contingent upon fund availability. The Government reserves the right to cancel the RFP. Primary points of contact are Maj Ryan Tagatac and 1st Lt Nathaniel Goodale.