Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT) Service Aircraft
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 Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is conducting a presolicitation for Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT) Service Aircraft. This full and open, competitive effort seeks a Contractor-Owned/Contractor-Operated (COCO) aerial platform to support NAVAIR's SLAT missions. The contract is anticipated to be Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for a period of 4 years, 364 days. Operations will involve real-world ocean airdrop tests of sonobuoys near San Clemente Island, CA. Industry feedback on the DRAFT solicitation was highly encouraged, with Q&A responses now posted.
Purpose & Scope
The primary objective is to provide an FAA-certificated aerial platform with pneumatic launch capability for NATO 'A' size sonobuoys. This platform will support the deployment of 32 to 52 sonobuoys per sortie over open-ocean test ranges in the vicinity of San Clemente Island, CA. Missions will originate from a contractor's base of operations located within 50 nautical miles of Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA. The scope includes Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing, Engineering Test Drops, Pattern Accuracy Testing, Mammal Mitigation & Range Clearance, and Training/Rehearsal Sorties. The contractor must achieve full operational capability within 12 months of contract award.
Contract Details
- Type: Competitive, Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for most Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), with a Monthly Fixed Cost CLIN. Award will be based on a Best Value Trade-off.
- Period of Performance: 4 years, 364 days.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open.
- NAICS Code: 481219 (Air Charter For Things).
- Place of Performance: Vicinity of San Clemente Island, CA, with operations from a contractor base within 50 nautical miles of Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA.
- Cybersecurity: Offerors must achieve and maintain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance, with current status posted in SPRS prior to award.
Key Requirements
The contractor must provide FAA certificated aircraft and qualified personnel. The aircraft must be equipped with a pneumatic launch system for NATO 'A' size sonobuoys. Support will involve approximately one 2-week mission event per month, with daily sorties typically lasting 1-5 hours on-station. Capability stand-up, including aircraft modifications, operational and safety documentation, personnel hiring, and training, is required within 12 months of contract award. Proof of ownership or a lease agreement for at least one proposed aircraft is required at the time of award.
Submission & Evaluation (Anticipated for Final RFP)
Proposals for the final RFP will be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) system. Evaluation will follow a Best Value Trade-off approach, considering Technical (most important), Past Performance (more important than Price), Price, and Small Business participation (acceptable/unacceptable). A minimum 10% Small Business Participation Commitment is required. The proposal period is anticipated to be 45 days.
Current Status & Contacts
This is a DRAFT Solicitation. One-on-One sessions were conducted on March 5-6, 2026, and the questions and answers have been posted. The deadline for submitting questions on the DRAFT was March 2, 2026. The final Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be released in the near future in FY26. Primary Contact: Brad Dioguardo (bradley.dioguardo.civ@us.navy.mil) Secondary Contact: David Silverstone (david.s.silverstone.civ@us.navy.mil)