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 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.