SAM #W912R1-26-Q-7044

Sole Source Advanced Helicopter Hoist Operations Training and Equipment for DC Army National Guard

This notice announces the District of Columbia Army National Guard's intent to award a sole-source contract for advanced helicopter hoist operations training. - Agency: District of Columbia Army National Guard (DC ARNG), Department of Defense - Sole-source vendor: Air Rescue Systems Corporation (ARS) - Requirement: Advanced 'Fluid-Dynamic' helicopter hoist operations training - Includes proprietary equipment: 2UP-510D Hoist Assist Device and ARV-QC-M Rescue Vest - Equipment and training are mandated by Department of the Army Airworthiness Release (AWR) 980 - ARS is the only known vendor with: - Proprietary ownership and manufacturing of required equipment - Certified instructors and immediate logistical capability - No other vendors identified through market research can meet safety and airworthiness requirements - The government is not seeking competitive proposals but will consider capability statements from other sources - Training must occur between 31 August and 4 September, with urgent instructor availability

Products and Services - 2UP-510D Hoist Assist Device (ARS proprietary) - ARV-QC-M Rescue Vest (ARS proprietary) - Advanced helicopter hoist operations training (ARS proprietary curriculum and instructors)

Commercial Opportunity - Sole-source contract; potential for other vendors to submit capability statements if they can meet all requirements - Emphasis on safety, airworthiness, and immediate availability

Key Requirements - Use of ARS proprietary equipment - Certified instructors - Compliance with Army airworthiness standards - Short-notice training window

Description

The District of Columbia Army National Guard (DC ARNG) intends to award a firm-fixed-price, sole-source Purchase Order to Air Rescue Systems Corporation (ARS) for advanced "Fluid-Dynamic" helicopter hoist operations training. This training must be conducted 31 August to 4 September 2026 due to a limited training calendar.

The Government's intent to sole source is based on the fact that ARS is the only known vendor capable of meeting the requirement due to their status as the sole designer, manufacturer, and proprietary owner of the specialized rescue equipment (2UP-510D Hoist Assist Device and ARV-QC-M Rescue Vest) and training curriculum. The use of this specific equipment is mandated for safety and airworthiness by Department of the Army Airworthiness Release (AWR) 980. Furthermore, ARS is the only vendor with the immediate availability of certified instructors and logistical capability to meet the government's critical short-notice training window. Market research has confirmed that no other sources can satisfy this requirement without causing unacceptable safety risks and failing to meet mandatory airworthiness standards.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirement are encouraged to submit a capability statement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no affirmative responses are received by 25 August 2026, the Government intends to issue a sole-source contract to Air Rescue Systems Corporation on or after 26 August 2026.

View original listing