Test Pilot
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 Navy / Naval Air Warfare Center Air Div (NAWCAD) intends to issue a Firm Fixed-Price sole source purchase order (N0042126Q1166) to Bussmann Aviation LLC for flight demonstration flight support for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) Qualitative Evaluation (QE) flight exercise. This is an intent to sole source under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13.106-1(b)) and is not a request for competitive quotes. Responses from other vendors are due by May 8, 2026, 5 PM ET.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves providing up to 17 demonstration flight hours in an MD-500 aircraft for the USNTPS QE flight exercise. Key requirements include:
- Provision of an MD-500 aircraft configured with dual flight controls, meeting FAA standards.
- A qualified FAA Certified Commercial Pilot rated in the MD-500 as a safety pilot, meeting specific flight hour and experience requirements.
- A thorough 1-hour briefing on aircraft systems, limitations, procedures, and safety.
- Contractor responsibility for all maintenance, oil, special equipment, and support services.
- Compliance with Federal hazardous materials regulations.
- Provision of any flight gear specific to the aircraft type.
- Access to aircraft and maintenance records for inspection.
- Aircraft must be authorized to operate on JP-5, JP-8, or 100LL fuel.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order (Intent to Sole Source)
- Period of Performance: May 18, 2026, to June 30, 2026
- Response Due: May 8, 2026, 5 PM ET
- Published: May 6, 2026
- Delivery Required By: May 18, 2026
Set-Aside
This is an intent to sole source to Bussmann Aviation LLC and is not a request for competitive quotes. The Government's determination not to compete is solely at its discretion.
Evaluation
The Government intends to award on a sole source basis. Information received from other offerors will be considered to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. If a bid is received from another vendor, they must be an authorized distributor with Platform and able to maintain Bussmann Aviation LLC Warranty.
Additional Notes
- Offerors must be currently registered in SAM.gov prior to submission.
- The contractor must undergo an inspection of equipment, maintenance practices, and flight discipline by USNTPS staff.
- Ferry time for aircraft transport to and from NAS Patuxent River is priced separately.
- Specific insurance requirements and landing permits must be met and verified.
- Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Annie N. Bohmann (annie.n.bohmann.civ@us.navy.mil)