North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services

SOL #: FA489026R0015Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA4890 HQ ACC AMIC
HAMPTON, VA, 23666, United States

Place of Performance

See PWS Appendix 1, Canada

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211)

PSC

Air Freight (V111)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Apr 14, 2026
2
Last Updated
May 29, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Jun 5, 2026, 3:00 PM

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 an RFP (FA489026R0015) for North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services. This opportunity seeks non-personal services for air transportation of personnel, cargo, and supplies to NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic, supporting NORAD radar maintenance. 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 11:00 AM local time.

Scope of Work

The contractor will provide all necessary resources for rotary airlift services across the NWS operational area, which includes sites above 65 degrees latitude in five distinct zones (Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay). Key services include:

  • Main Rotary Airlift: Year-round availability of at least one IFR/NVG-capable rotary aircraft with two pilots per zone, capable of transporting 1,850 lbs payload 150 nautical miles nonstop.
  • Supplemental Rotary Airlift: Three rotary aircraft for precision sling and cargo basket transport, operating from June 1 to September 30 annually, with similar payload and range capabilities.
  • Bulk Fuel Rotary Airlift: Two rotary aircraft for fuel transfer (1,500 liters/trip, 150 NM range) from April 1 to September 30 annually, including specialized fuel transfer pumps (190 liters/minute) and spill response equipment.
  • Aircraft must be capable of operating from unimproved landing zones. Compliance with Canadian and Territorial laws, NIST SP 800-171 security requirements, and a 95% reliability rate are mandatory.

Contract Details

  • Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs.
  • Period of Performance: An 11-month base period (anticipated November 30, 2026 – September 30, 2027) and four one-year option periods, extending through September 30, 2031.
  • Set-Aside: None. This is a 100% full and open competition, as Small Business Consideration (FAR Part 19) does not apply due to performance being entirely outside the United States.
  • NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation, with a size standard of 1,500 employees.
  • Place of Performance: North Warning System sites in the Canadian Arctic.

Evaluation Factors

Award will be based on a best value tradeoff, with technical factors significantly more important than price.

  • Technical Evaluation: Proposals must demonstrate acceptable technical experience (similar scope, 12 months in last five years), meet payload and distance requirements (IFR/NVG capable aircraft, 1,850 lbs payload, 150 NM nonstop range, one aircraft per zone), and present a comprehensive operations plan, including simultaneous bulk fuel transfer.
  • Price Evaluation: Will assess reasonableness, completeness, and balance for technically acceptable proposals. The government reserves the right to award without negotiations.

Submission & Deadlines

  • Proposals Due: June 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time.
  • Submission Method: Electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module. Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit at least one business day prior to the deadline.
  • Questions Due: 15 calendar days after the solicitation release date (by 1:00 PM EST).
  • Pre-Proposal Conference: Anticipated for May 21, 2026.
  • Important: Funds are not presently available, and no award will be made until funds are secured. The government reserves the right to cancel the RFP.

People

Points of Contact

Files

Files

View
View
View
View
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download
Download

Versions

Version 10
Solicitation
Posted: May 29, 2026
View
Version 9
Solicitation
Posted: May 28, 2026
View
Version 8
Solicitation
Posted: May 20, 2026
View
Version 7Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: May 4, 2026
Version 6
Solicitation
Posted: May 1, 2026
View
Version 5
Solicitation
Posted: May 1, 2026
View
Version 4
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Apr 24, 2026
View
Version 3
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Apr 17, 2026
View
Version 2
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Apr 15, 2026
View
Version 1
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Apr 14, 2026
View