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) is soliciting proposals for North Warning System (NWS) Rotary Airlift Services (RFP: FA489026R0015). This is a competitive, 100% full and open competition for non-personal services to provide rotary air transportation to NWS sites in the Canadian Arctic. The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs. Proposals are due June 5, 2026, by 11:00 AM local time.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide non-personal rotary airlift services for personnel, cargo, and supplies to NWS radar sites located in the Canadian Arctic, supporting NORAD radar maintenance requirements. This includes:
- Main Rotary Airlift: Minimum one IFR/NVG-capable aircraft per zone, with a 1,850 lbs payload capacity and 150 NM nonstop range.
- Supplemental Rotary Airlift: Three aircraft for June-September operations, capable of precision sling and cargo basket transport.
- Bulk Fuel Rotary Airlift: Two aircraft capable of transporting 1,500 liters of fuel per trip over 150 NM nonstop, including provision of fuel transfer pumps and spill response equipment. Primary bases of operations include Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, and Goose Bay. The contractor must furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and services, complying with Canadian and Territorial laws.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Cost Reimbursable (CR) CLINs.
- Anticipated Period of Performance: An 11-month base period (November 30, 2026 - September 30, 2027) and four one-year option periods, extending through September 30, 2031.
- Set-Aside: None (100% full and open competition; Small Business Consideration does not apply as performance is outside the United States).
- NAICS Code: 481211 - Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation, with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,500 employees.
- Proposal Due Date: June 5, 2026, by 11:00 AM local time.
- Anticipated Award Date: On or about October 12, 2026.
- Pre-Proposal Conference: Anticipated on May 21, 2026.
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. Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Technical (50-page limit, optional 2-page executive summary) and Price (no page limit).
- Technical Evaluation: Focuses on Subfactor A (Technical Experience, must be 'Acceptable'), Subfactor B (Payload and Distance Requirements), and Subfactor C (Operations). Key requirements include demonstrating similar Arctic airlift experience, IFR/NVG certified aircraft/crews, specific payload/range capabilities, and a comprehensive plan for bulk fuel transfer.
- Price Evaluation: Assessed for reasonableness, completeness, and balance. The Government reserves the right to award without negotiations.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation module. Offerors are encouraged to submit early due to potential cybersecurity delays. Questions are due no later than 15 calendar days after the RFP release date (June 13, 2026). Proposals must acknowledge all amendments and remain valid for 270 calendar days.
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. Contact with government personnel is strictly prohibited, except for the listed POCs: Maj Ryan Tagatac (ryan_mark.tagatac.3@us.af.mil), 1st Lt Nathaniel Goodale (nathaniel.goodale.1@us.af.mil), and TSgt Nelson Sosa (nelson.sosa@us.af.mil).