Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT)
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 Systems Command (NAVAIR), through Program Manager Adversary and Specialized Aircraft (PMA-226), is soliciting proposals for Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT). This acquisition procures Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) aviation services to support Program Manager for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems (PMA-264)'s mission of ensuring the operational effectiveness of sonobuoy systems. The effort includes capability stand-up, flight services, and technical data delivery to validate sonobuoy performance and reliability. Proposals are due June 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
This acquisition requires the provision of COCO aviation services for SLAT operations. Key components include:
- Procurement of a sonobuoy launch system.
- Aircraft modifications.
- Personnel training.
- Execution of flight operations to support testing.
- Delivery of technical and administrative data for program management and oversight. The services aim to establish operational readiness and validate sonobuoy system performance and reliability in operational environments.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation (IDIQ)
- Duration: A 4-year, 365-day Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, including a capability stand-up period not to exceed 12 months. Flight performance commences after stand-up requirements are met.
- Small Business Participation: Amendment 0001 updated Section L to include a 15% small business participation commitment.
- Proposal Due: June 22, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET.
- Published: June 4, 2026.
Evaluation
This acquisition is conducted in accordance with FAR Part 15, DFARS 215.3, and the DoD Source Selection Procedures (20 August 2022). Offerors must demonstrate how their proposed solution meets all solicitation requirements, including the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and operational/safety requirements. The Government will not provide advanced determinations on technical approaches, platforms, or operational concepts.
Additional Notes
- CMMC 2.0 Requirements: Offerors must indicate their CMMC certification status in Table CA-1 (Offeror Business Systems Status) as part of their proposal. Appropriate CMMC certification is required at the time of award, referencing 32 CFR 170.16.
- RFI Clarifications: The basing distance requirement will not be changed. The airspeed envelope in PWS Section 3.1.d is a range, and operation within that range is acceptable.