Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW) Fixed Wing Airlift Support
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 Department of the Air Force, specifically the Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify contractors capable of providing Fixed Wing Airlift Support. This support is crucial for the training of Pararescue Jumpers (PJ), Combat Controller Specialists (CCT), Combat Rescue Officers (CRO), and Special Tactics Officers (STO) candidates. The RFI aims to address current DoD military training air support capacity limitations. Responses are due March 31, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required services include comprehensive fixed-wing airlift support for various training operations, both day and night, over land and water. This encompasses:
- Parachuting Operations: Static Line (SL), Double Bag Static Line (DBSL), Military Free Fall (MFF), High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO), High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO).
- Cargo & Medical Support: Cargo Delivery System (CDS), Medevac Training, real-world support for medical emergencies.
- Tactical Training: Mission Planning, Terminal Area Control (TAC), Call for Fire (CFF). Aircraft must be fully configured for scheduled operations, including specific requirements like tail ramps, inward-folding side paratroop doors, and electric-powered static line retrieval systems, as detailed in the attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). Support is also needed for AETC assigned SW instructors to meet proficiency requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought. This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute an RFP.
- NAICS Code: 481219 (Other Scheduled Air Transportation).
- Set-Aside: Not specified; the RFI seeks information to determine potential small business set-asides.
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, by 12:00 PM CST.
- Published: March 17, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Primary locations include Pope AAF/Fort Liberty/Camp Mackall (NC), Coolidge (AZ), Bishop Airfield (AZ), Hondo (TX), Belen Regional Airport (NM), and Lake Havasu City (AZ). Alternate locations may include Marana (AZ), Lackland AFB (TX), and Patrick SFB (FL).
Response Requirements
Interested parties are requested to provide detailed answers (max 4 pages) to specific questions, including:
- Company information (CAGE, UEI, POC, SAM registration, business size status under NAICS 481219).
- Experience applicable to the PWS, approach to aircraft maintenance, previous fixed-wing support contracts.
- Transition plan, potential risks, and suggestions for alternative NAICS codes.
- GSA schedule details (if applicable).
- Innovative solutions for fixed-wing support.
- Comprehensive list of proposed aircraft (make, model, year), their configuration, and certification status (e.g., AMC Paratroop Commercial Operator Part 91 list).
- Methodology for recruiting, training, and retaining qualified personnel (pilots, aircrew, riggers) with experience in military-specific operations (SL, MFF, CDS, NVG) and parachute systems.
- Logistical framework for managing geographically dispersed operations and a plan for providing replacement aircraft within 36 hours.
- Capacity and plan for surge and scalability to accommodate student load variations.
Additional Notes
The Government will not pay for RFI responses. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future RFP. The Government may hold industry discussions for clarification. Questions must be submitted in writing to Kevin Harris by email.