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 a Request for Proposal (RFP) for North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services. This opportunity seeks non-personal services for air transportation 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 through a best value source selection. Proposals are due June 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide rotary airlift services for personnel, cargo, and supplies across five zones in the Canadian Arctic. This includes:
- Main Rotary Airlift: Year-round availability of at least one IFR/NVG-capable rotary aircraft per zone, with a minimum 1,850 lbs payload capacity and 150 nautical miles nonstop range.
- Supplemental Rotary Airlift: Three additional rotary aircraft for operations 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, with associated pumps and spill response equipment, primarily from April 1 to September 30 annually.
- Compliance with Canadian laws and regulations, and NIST SP 800-171 security requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Single 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 performance is outside the United States.
- NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (Size Standard: 1,500 employees).
- Proposal Due: June 5, 2026, 11:00 AM local time.
- Questions Due: June 12, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
- Pre-Proposal Conference: May 21, 2026.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be based on a best value tradeoff, with technical factors significantly more important than price. Key evaluation areas include:
- Technical Experience: Demonstrating similar scope of work for at least 12 months within the last five years, particularly in arctic airlift.
- Payload and Distance Capabilities: Rotary aircraft and crews certified for NVG and IFR flight, capacity to transport 1,850 lbs, availability in all five zones, and 150 NM nonstop range.
- Operations: A comprehensive plan for simultaneous bulk fuel transfer operations, including equipment and Canadian safety compliance.
- Subfactor A (Technical Experience) must be rated 'Acceptable' for further evaluation.
Additional 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 must submit proposals electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module and continuously monitor PIEE for amendments and updates. Contact Maj Ryan Tagatac (ryan_mark.tagatac.3@us.af.mil) or 1st Lt Nathaniel Goodale (nathaniel.goodale.1@us.af.mil) for inquiries.