Navigational Database (NavDB)
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER.MOBILITY AIRCRAFT.FA8504 AFLCMC WLNKA · Response deadline: Mon, 31 Aug 2026
What the government is buying
The Air Force is seeking a Navigational Database (NavDB) through a combined synopsis/solicitation. This type of work involves creating, maintaining, or updating digital navigation databases used in military aviation systems. NavDBs are critical safety-of-flight datasets that contain geospatial information such as airport locations, runway coordinates, navigation aids, airspace boundaries, route structure, and obstacle data.
Companies in the 541330 NAICS category—engineering services—typically perform this work. Navigational database activities commonly include data verification, quality assurance, international standard compliance (such as ARINC 424 or EUROCAE standards), dataset compilation, and distribution to aircraft platforms. The Air Force likely needs contractor support to sustain or enhance navigation capabilities for mobility aircraft under the Life Cycle Management Center's portfolio. See the solicitation for the specific technical requirements, deliverables, and any performance work statement details.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Mobility Aircraft (FA8504 AFLCMC WLNKA) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | FA850426QB001 |
| NAICS | 541330 — Engineering Services |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | August 31, 2026, 3:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Georgia (GA) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is open to all qualified offerors—no small-business set-aside applies. Any business, regardless of size, may submit a proposal if they can meet the technical, past performance, and financial qualifications specified in the solicitation.
Small businesses should weigh carefully whether to compete against large defense contractors for this requirement. engineering services contracts in the Air Force aircraft system domain often demand significant relevant past performance, established security clearances, and specialized aviation data expertise. However, small businesses with strong NavDB credentials, DOD contracting experience, or teaming relationships should not rule themselves out.
If your business holds SBA certification (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB), those programs do not provide preference here, but your capabilities still matter. Consider whether a joint venture or mentor-protégé arrangement could strengthen your competitive position.
How to put together a competitive bid
For NavDB work, evaluators typically scrutinize technical approach, personnel qualifications, and past performance most heavily. Specific steps to strengthen your proposal:
Demonstrate direct NavDB or aviation database experience. Cite contracts where you produced, validated, or distributed navigation data for military, commercial aviation, or geospatial intelligence customers. Include CPARS or other performance verification.
Highlight compliance with relevant standards. Reference ARINC 424, DO-200A/DO-201A, or equivalent specifications. Name any certifications or audit results from data quality authorities.
Detail your Georgia-based operational plan. The place of performance is Georgia—clarify your existing presence, proposed facility, or subcontractor arrangements there. Address any personnel relocation or secure facility needs.
Price strategically. With no set-aside, competition likely includes large engineering firms. Build your cost narrative around efficiency, innovation, or specialized expertise rather than lowest price alone.
Submit through SAM.gov. Ensure your entity registration is active and matches your DUNS/UEI records. Verify solicitation amendments before deadline.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number FA850426QB001. The posted date shows October 22, 2026, but the response deadline of August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET means this notice may reflect a pre-solicitation posting with an approaching or possibly lapsed deadline—confirm current status and any posted amendments immediately. Note all submission requirements, evaluation factors, and any pre-proposal conference dates. Submit questions through the designated SAM.gov contact if clarification is needed.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →