145th AW - RFI/Sources Sought Powered Paragliding (PPG) Flight and Sustainment System
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 145th Contracting Office (under DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE ARMY) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought announcement for a Powered Paragliding (PPG) Flight and Sustainment System. This initiative aims to identify potential sources for a system that will provide individual aerial mobility capabilities to AFSPECWAR units and Air National Guard (ANG) state missions, enhancing survivability and effectiveness in combat and disaster response scenarios. The place of performance is Charlotte, NC. Responses are due by June 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a comprehensive PPG Flight and Sustainment System, including:
- Two (2) Rucksack/Backpack Powered Flight Systems: Must meet specific salient characteristics for payload (min 80 lbs), power unit (>=185cc engine, high-altitude optimized), adjustable harness with spine protection, instrumentation (hour/RPM, engine temp, cruise control), extended-capacity fuel system (30-100 miles range), steerable reserve parachute (min 170kg), and integrated water flotation with auto-deployment.
- One (1) Basic Flight Operations Training Course: For two (2) students, covering PPG 1 & 2 standards, heavy payload flights, cross-country navigation, and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) techniques.
- One (1) Maintenance Technician Training Course: For two (2) students, certifying personnel for organizational-level maintenance and repair on the provided flight system.
- Two (2) Sustainment and Spare Parts Packages: Designed to support a minimum of 150 flight hours or one (1) year of operational use per flight system.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research. The 145th Contracting Office intends to issue a firm-fixed price contract if funding becomes available.
- Set-Aside: None specified. This market research will help determine potential set-aside opportunities, including small business participation.
- Response Due: June 10, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Published: May 27, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties must provide the following information via email by the deadline:
- A completed and signed Source Sought Information Request Form, which requires company details (Name, Address, CAGE Code, UEI Number) and socio-economic status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, Large Business).
- Confirmation of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Email responses to Sarah.Marshall.6@us.af.mil and Scott.Thomas.53@us.af.mil.
- The subject line must include: Sources Sought W50S87-26-Q-5002.
Additional Notes
This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information. Incomplete information or failure to provide documentation may affect the determination of a set-aside.