Vulcan and KC-97 Aircraft Paint
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 is soliciting proposals for the paint restoration and minor repairs of two static display aircraft, an Avro Vulcan and a KC-97, located at the Barksdale Global Power Museum in Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. This effort aims to mitigate water intrusion and corrosion, preserving these historical assets for public display. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due May 15, 2026, by 1:30 PM CDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all necessary management, tools, supplies, equipment, parts, and labor for comprehensive aircraft painting. Key tasks include:
- Surface Preparation: Tarping, high-pressure washing, scraping/sanding existing paint, and repairing corrosion or metal deterioration.
- Painting: Repainting aircraft in their current schemes, including insignia, markings, stenciling, engine inlet covers, and landing gear. This involves applying a specific primer (LICP 200 Industrial or better) and industrial catalyzed urethane paint (4.0-4.5 mils wet), followed by 2 or more coats of Valspar AC4400 Clear coat HS or better for gloss and UV protection.
- Special Finishes: Prep and paint windows with a polyurethane clear coat, and polish unpainted metal surfaces to a mirror finish.
- Environmental Compliance: Managing all paint chips, paint, rags, and debris according to the Base Hazardous Waste Program and providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for paints containing hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Bird Proofing: Removal and disposal of existing bird proofing and nests, followed by installation of new bird proofing.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Solicitation for commercial services.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- Place of Performance: Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
- Period of Performance: Work to commence 15-30 days after contract award, with an estimated 14-21 days per aircraft.
- Proposal Due: May 15, 2026, by 1:30 PM CDT.
- Published Date: May 7, 2026.
Special Requirements & Eligibility
Offerors must demonstrate:
- A minimum of 10 years' experience in historical aircraft restoration.
- At least 5 positive performance references for historical aircraft restoration projects within the last 5 years.
- Proof of performing historical aircraft restoration jobs of similar or larger magnitude.
- Ability to work on Barksdale AFB, including passing background checks and meeting insurance requirements.
- Coordination with museum personnel for paint colors and insignias, and submission of a paint sample for approval.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Award will be based on a Best Value Determination considering price and technical aspects. The lowest three offers will undergo technical evaluation. Offerors must submit a technical plan not exceeding two pages detailing their approach. Compliance with the provided Wage Determination (Attachment 2) for labor costs is critical.
Contacts
- Primary: Shanecer Johnson (shanecer.johnson@us.af.mil, 3184563403)
- Secondary: Mr. Thomas Hutchins (thomas.hutchins.2@us.af.mil, 3184563729)