Policy, Engineering, Analysis, and Research Contract (PEARS III)
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released responses to vendor questions regarding the Policy, Engineering, Analysis, and Research Contract (PEARS III) draft Solicitation/Request for Information (SIR) 693KA9-25-R-00016. This update provides significant clarifications and changes for the upcoming Total Small Business Set-Aside procurement.
Purpose of Update
This release contains consolidated vendor questions and FAA's official responses, clarifying various aspects of the draft SIR. It aims to inform potential bidders about revisions to be incorporated into the final solicitation. No response is required at this time.
Key Clarifications & Changes
- Set-Aside: The procurement will be a Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 541330 with a $47 million size standard.
- Security Clearances: The requirement for security clearances will be removed from the final SIR.
- Past Performance: Requires three (3) examples of current contracts/subcontracts, with a maximum of one from a teammate. The 36-month recency requirement remains.
- Place of Performance: Will be specified as "Contractor or Government sites, as specified in the task order."
- Proposal Volumes: The final SIR will list five proposal volumes (I-V), resolving a previous conflict.
- Pricing: Requirements for indirect rates and estimated hours will be removed from specific attachments.
- Environmental Order: FAA Order 1050.1F will be updated to 1050.1G.
- Modeling Tools: The SIR will clarify that listed tools are examples and not exhaustive.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Draft SIR Q&A)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Product Service Code: R425 - Engineering And Technical Services
- Department/Agency: Department of Transportation / Federal Aviation Administration
- Published Date: March 11, 2026
- Response Required: None at this time.
Additional Notes
This update is for informational purposes only. Interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for the release of the final PEARS III solicitation. The primary contact for this opportunity is the FAA AAQ 460 Contracting Office at 9-AFN-AWA-AAQ460-Contracting-Team@faa.gov.