Airborne Special Operations Testing Directorate Wet Blade Hours IDIQ
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.MISSION INSTALLATION CONTRACTING COMMAND.419TH CSB.W6QM MICC FDO FT BRAGG · Response deadline: Mon, 02 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Army's Airborne Special Operations Testing Directorate (ANSOTD) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is seeking a contractor to provide wet blade hours for airborne testing operations on an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) basis. ANSOTD is responsible for testing and evaluating airborne equipment, tactics, and procedures for U.S. Army special operations forces. Wet blade hours refers to aircraft flight time where the rotors are turning—essential for realistic testing of parachute systems, aerial delivery platforms, and other airborne capabilities.
This is a total small business set-aside, meaning only qualified small businesses under NAICS 481211 can compete for and perform this work.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, Mission Installation Contracting Command, 419th Contracting Support Brigade, MICC Fort Bragg Field Directorate Office |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W91247-27-Q-A004 |
| NAICS | 481211 — Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 2, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern |
| Place of performance | Fort Bragg, NC |
Who can bid
Only small businesses registered in SAM.gov and certified as small under NAICS 481211 ($25 million size standard) are eligible. Your firm must hold active SAM registration with this NAICS code, and you should verify your size status in your SAM profile before bidding.
Given the nature of the work (481211 — Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation), bidders likely need:
- Appropriate Federal Aviation Administration certificates (Part 135 or relevant operating authority)
- Aircraft capable of supporting military airborne operations (see the solicitation for specific airframe requirements)
- Experience with or willingness to obtain Department of Defense airworthiness certifications
- Security clearances or ability for personnel to access Fort Bragg military installation
Prior experience with military contract air services, particularly in support of airborne operations or testing, would strengthen your competitive position.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the IDIQ structure: This contract establishes ceiling rates and capabilities; task orders will follow for specific wet blade hour requirements. Your pricing should reflect both competitive ceiling rates and realistic costs for surge capacity.
Aircraft and crew qualifications: Ensure your proposed aircraft meet any military specifications for parachute operations, including door configurations, communication systems, and safety equipment. Crew experience with military jump operations is typically valued—detail this in your proposal.
Safety and maintenance records: Government evaluators scrutinize aviation safety histories. Prepare comprehensive maintenance programs, FAA compliance documentation, and any military airworthiness approvals.
Pricing strategy: Structure rates to cover fixed costs (aircraft positioning, crew standby) and variable costs (flight hours, fuel surcharges). IDIQ contracts often favor bidders demonstrating cost control and transparency.
Past performance: Cite relevant contracts for military or government aviation services. If limited, highlight commercial contracts with comparable operational demands.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation package on SAM.gov using solicitation number W91247-27-Q-A004. The notice was posted October 26, 2026, with proposals due November 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern—a compressed seven-day turnaround requiring immediate action.
Download and review all attachments for specific aircraft requirements, minimum crew qualifications, insurance requirements, and exact pricing instructions. Submit questions through SAM.gov if any solicitation provisions are unclear, keeping the tight deadline in mind.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →