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 opportunity seeks non-personal services to provide air transportation for personnel, cargo, and supplies to NWS radar sites across the Canadian Arctic. The contract will support NORAD radar maintenance requirements, fulfilling the U.S. obligation under an international agreement with Canada. Proposals are due June 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive rotary airlift services, including:
- Main Rotary Airlift: Year-round availability of IFR/NVG-capable rotary-wing aircraft with two pilots in each of five zones (Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, Goose Bay). Aircraft must have a minimum payload capacity of 1,850 lbs and a 150 NM nonstop range.
- Supplemental Rotary Airlift: Three additional rotary aircraft for 24/7 (12-hour duty day) service from June 1 to September 30 annually, capable of precision sling and cargo basket transport.
- Bulk Fuel Transport: Two rotary aircraft capable of transporting 1,500 liters of fuel per trip (1.65M liters annually) over 150 NM nonstop, with specialized pumps and spill response equipment.
- General Support: Furnishing all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, and supervision. Compliance with Canadian and Territorial laws, NIST SP 800-171 security requirements, and a 95% reliability rate are mandatory.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Single 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).
- Anticipated Award: On or about October 12, 2026.
- NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation.
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees.
- Set-Aside: None (100% full and open competition, as performance is outside the United States).
- Proposal Due: June 5, 2026, by 11:00 AM local time.
- Proposal Validity: 270 calendar days.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be based on a best value source selection using a tradeoff approach, where technical factors are significantly more important than price. Key evaluation areas include:
- Technical Experience (Subfactor A): Must demonstrate at least 12 months of similar scope of work in the arctic within the last five years.
- Payload and Distance Requirements (Subfactor B): Evaluation of aircraft/crew certifications (NVG/IFR), payload capacity (1,850 lbs), simultaneous operations in 5 Zones, and 150 NM nonstop range.
- Operations (Subfactor C): Detailed plan for simultaneous bulk fuel transfer operations at two locations, adhering to Canadian safety requirements, and specific equipment. Proposals rated 'Unacceptable' in any subfactor will not be considered for award. The Government reserves the right to award without negotiations.
Submission & Contact
Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module. Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit early due to potential cybersecurity delays. Primary Points of Contact:
- Nathaniel Goodale: nathaniel.goodale.1@us.af.mil, (757) 225-2839
- Maj Ryan Tagatac: ryan_mark.tagatac.3@us.af.mil, (757) 764-9128 Formal communications should be directed to the listed Contract Managers and/or Contracting Officer.