Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT) Service Aircraft

SOL #: N0042126R0001Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Dept Of Defense
Dept Of The Navy
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIR DIV
PATUXENT RIVER, MD, 20670-1545, United States

Place of Performance

San Clemente, CA

NAICS

Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

PSC

Air Charter For Things (V121)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
May 1, 2025
2
Last Updated
Mar 31, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Mar 2, 2026, 3:00 PM

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 Warfare Center - Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is seeking industry feedback on a Draft Presolicitation for Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT) Service Aircraft. This opportunity involves providing Contractor-Owned/Contractor-Operated (COCO) aerial platforms with sonobuoy pneumatic-launch capability to support NAVAIR's SLAT program. One-on-one sessions are scheduled for March 5-6, 2026, and feedback on the draft is due by March 2, 2026.

Purpose

NAWCAD intends to issue a competitive, Firm Fixed Price (FFP) solicitation for services to provide a COCO aerial platform for Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Testing (SLAT). This testing ensures production and pre-production sonobuoys meet required performance and reliability standards through real-world ocean airdrop tests.

Scope of Work

The contractor will provide FAA-certificated aircraft and personnel capable of deploying NATO 'A' size sonobuoys using a pneumatic launch system. Missions involve overwater flight profiles up to 100 NM offshore, at altitudes from 500 to 8,000 feet MSL, primarily over open-ocean test ranges near San Clemente Island, CA. Operations will originate from a contractor base within 50 nautical miles of Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA. Services include SLAT, Engineering Test Drops, Pattern Accuracy Testing, Mammal Mitigation & Range Clearance, and Training/Rehearsal Sorties.

Contract Details

  • Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Draft Solicitation)
  • Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
  • Anticipated Duration: Four years, 364 days
  • Set-Aside: None specified (Full and Open)
  • Product/Service Code: V121 (Air Charter For Things)
  • Place of Performance: Vicinity of San Clemente Island, CA, and contractor base near NAS North Island, San Diego, CA.
  • Key Requirements: Capability stand-up (within 12 months of award), monthly fixed costs for operational readiness, flight services, and administrative/technical data.
  • Cybersecurity: CMMC Level 2 compliance is required.

Key Dates & Actions

Evaluation (Anticipated)

Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical (most important), Past Performance (more important than Price), Price, and Small Business (acceptable/unacceptable). Offerors must have a current CMMC Level 2 self-assessment in SPRS prior to award and submit a Small Business Participation Commitment Document (minimum 10% commitment).

Additional Notes

This is a DRAFT Solicitation for industry input and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). Information is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. No funds are available for response preparation.

People

Points of Contact

David SilverstoneSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 6
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Mar 31, 2026
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Version 5Viewing
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Mar 31, 2026
Version 4
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Feb 24, 2026
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Version 3
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Feb 19, 2026
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Version 2
Sources Sought
Posted: Aug 6, 2025
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Version 1
Sources Sought
Posted: May 1, 2025
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