J--NOAA P-3 Rolls-Royce Maintenance & Support Service
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA · Response deadline: Wed, 21 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
NOAA is seeking maintenance and support services for Rolls-Royce engines on its P-3 Orion aircraft. The P-3 is a four-engine turboprop aircraft NOAA operates for hurricane hunting, atmospheric research, and other scientific missions. Rolls-Royce T56 engines power these aircraft, and specialized technical expertise is required to maintain them to airworthiness standards.
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, which means the notice serves as both the announcement of the requirement and the actual solicitation document—vendors can respond directly to this notice if it contains sufficient information. The work falls under NAICS 488190 ("Other Support Activities for Air Transportation"), which covers specialized aircraft maintenance and support services not classified elsewhere.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 1305M226Q0153 |
| NAICS | 488190 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted competition) |
| Response deadline | October 21, 2026, 2:30 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice metadata |
Who can bid
This opportunity is unrestricted—any qualified business, regardless of size, can compete. There is no small business set-aside, meaning large contractors are eligible, though small businesses may still submit offers.
To compete credibly, you will need:
- Airframe and powerplant (A&P) expertise or equivalent military/technical qualifications for Rolls-Royce T56 engine maintenance
- FAA repair station certification or demonstrated capability to perform engine overhaul and support to commercial/military standards
- Past performance with similar government or commercial aircraft engine contracts, particularly with Rolls-Royce or similar turboprop engines
- Security clearances or facility clearances if the work involves military-derived aircraft configurations (see the solicitation)
If you are a small business, consider whether you can perform as a prime contractor or should pursue a subcontractor role with a larger firm. The NAICS 488190 size standard is typically $41.5 million in annual receipts, though see the solicitation for the applicable standard.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the specialized nature of this requirement, focus your proposal on:
Technical approach: Detail your specific experience with T56 engines or comparable Rolls-Royce turboprop powerplants. Describe your OEM-authorized status, tooling, test cell capabilities, and procedures for engine condition monitoring. Include your approach to minimizing aircraft downtime, which is critical for NOAA's seasonal hurricane reconnaissance schedule.
Personnel qualifications: Highlight certificated mechanics, designated engineering representatives, or former military engine technicians on your team. Include training records and currency with Rolls-Royce technical publications.
Parts and supply chain: Address your ability to source genuine Rolls-Royce parts, manage obsolescence, and maintain acceptable turnaround times. NOAA cannot afford extended grounding of unique research aircraft.
Past performance: Cite contracts with government agencies (Navy, Coast Guard, C-130 operators) or commercial operators of P-3 or similar platforms. Obtain CPARS or commercial reference ratings in advance.
Pricing strategy: As unrestricted competition, expect competition from OEM-affiliated service providers and large defense contractors. If you lack direct P-3/T56 experience, consider a teaming arrangement or competitive range via lower cost structure and superior service responsiveness.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 1305M226Q0153. The combined synopsis/solicitation format means the notice may contain all needed instructions, but verify whether attachments include detailed specifications, performance work statement, or data requirements.
Note the deadline carefully: Responses are due October 21, 2026, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time. With only about 12 days between posting and deadline, act immediately to request clarification, access the technical library, and prepare your submission. Late responses are typically inadmissible in federal acquisitions.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →