SAM #AirBossRFI

Air Operations Support Services for the JB MDL Open House

The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research for air operations support at the JB MDL Open House. - Government buyer: Department of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command, 87th Contracting Squadron; supported location is Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL). - Requested services: Air Boss, air show announcer, turnkey sound system, and non-standard air-operations subject matter expertise. No product quantities or part numbers are specified. - Key requirements: The Air Boss must hold current FAA Recognized Air Boss - Multi-Venue (RAB-MV) recognition. Sound must cover an approximately 5,000-foot crowd line for up to approximately 100,000 spectators per show day and include an elevated control point, radio/public-address interfaces, and generator power. - Services include planning and safety coordination, flying and ground demonstration control, live narration, equipment setup and operation, and coordination with FAA and military stakeholders. - The effort must support complex military demonstrations, potentially including the USAF Thunderbirds or USN Blue Angels, and provide post-show debrief support. - OEMs and vendors: No OEMs, commercial vendors, or product manufacturers are named. - Opportunity status: This is a sources-sought RFI for market research, not a solicitation or commitment to award. Respondents are asked to describe capability and availability and identify small-business status.

Description

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Air Operations Support Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) Open House 2027

The 87th Contracting Squadron is seeking information from industry for the purpose of conducting market research for Air Operations Support in support of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) Open House 2027.

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or any other type of contractual document.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ). NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

Statement of Characteristics

The Government requires air operations support services for the air show portion of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) Open House 2027. The requirement encompasses comprehensive support including an Air Boss, Air Show Announcer, Sound Provider, and non-standard operations subject matter expertise associated with aerial and ground demonstration activities. The selected contractor must possess relevant experience supporting large military or civilian air shows involving complex military flying operations, high spectator attendance (up to 100,000 spectators per show day), and close coordination with FAA and military stakeholders, including military demonstration teams such as the USAF Thunderbirds or USN Blue Angels.

Specifications

The Government is seeking sources capable of providing air operations support meeting the following core characteristics:

Air Boss: Certified Air Boss holding current FAA Recognized Air Boss - Multi-Venue (RAB-MV) recognition at the time of performance to manage flying schedules, coordinate emergency and airfield services, conduct safety briefings, and control all aerial and ground demonstration activities. Air Show Announcer: Professional announcer to prepare scripts, coordinate with performers and Public Affairs, integrate aircraft narrative data, and provide continuous live narration. Sound Provider: Turnkey sound system capable of clear, intelligible coverage along an approximately 5,000-foot crowd line, including an elevated control viewing platform, air-to-ground VHF/UHF radio communication interfaces, and primary/backup generator power. Non-Standard Operations SME: Advisory support for air show operational planning, FAA waiver processing, site layout, performer integration, and military demonstration coordination from award through the post-show debrief.

For full requirement details, please refer to Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) Air Operations Support.

Anticipated Period of Performance

The anticipated Period of Performance is 21 December 2026 - 31 May 2027. On-site event support at JB MDL, NJ will occur 27 May 2027 through 31 May 2027, with the Open House scheduled for 29-30 May 2027 (rehearsal on 28 May 2027).

NAICS Code: 711320 - Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities PSC: R799 - Other Management Support Services

Information Requested

a) Capability of providing Air Boss, Air Show Announcer, Sound Provider, and non-standard operations SME support meeting or exceeding the requirements outlined above and in the attached PWS, including proof of current FAA Recognized Air Boss - Multi-Venue (RAB-MV) recognition.

b) Confirmation that the contractor is available and can perform on-site at JB MDL, NJ during the required dates (27-31 May 2027) within the 21 December 2026 - 31 May 2027 Period of Performance.

c) Small business size status of the company under NAICS 711320, including any small business socioeconomic contracting programs (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) that your firm is registered under.

Response Guidelines

Responses must specifically describe the contractor's capability to fulfill the requirement as stated above and in the attached Performance Work Statement. Companies who wish to respond to this notice should send responses via email no later than 16 November 2026 at 0600 Eastern Time to A1C Theodore Hyatt at theodore.hyatt@us.af.mil.

Questions

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to A1C Theodore Hyatt at theodore.hyatt@us.af.mil. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submission of their responses.

Disclaimer

The issuance of this sources sought notice is being done strictly for the purpose of market research. This notice will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available and is being issued solely for information and planning purposes. All information contained in this notice is preliminary and subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. Issuance of this notice will not result in contract award and is not to be construed as any form of commitment on behalf of the Government. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submission of their responses.

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