Intent to Sole Source - USAFADS Airfield Rental

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (USAFADS) requires an airfield rental for winter training from 2026-2030, for 16 days each January. The contractor must provide an airfield, facilities, and support functions including hangar space, FBO support, office and dining facilities for 70-75 personnel, and two fuel trucks with 1.5 million pounds of jet fuel. The location needs a minimum of 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace, low population density, a 7,000ft runway (or F-16 approved arresting gear), favorable flat/rolling terrain, and specific climate data with minimal precipitation and at least 9 hours of daylight. The USAFADS requires 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access and sole use of the airspace, with guaranteed uninterrupted sorties. The site must be within the United States and in close proximity to a military F-16 base for support and as a divert option. The contractor is responsible for security, crash recovery, fire response teams, internet/Wi-Fi, and maintaining facilities according to state and local regulations.

The USAFADS requires a sole source justification for renting an off-site airfield and facilities for winter training sessions from 2026-2030, as mandated by ACCI 11-245. This training is crucial for certifying 3-5 new Thunderbird pilots annually, enabling them to perform public demonstrations. A search on SAM.GOV for NAICS 488119 and PSC X1BD yielded no suitable alternatives. Spaceport America is the preferred location due to its unobstructed, open airspace, allowing for multiple daily practices and timely brief/debrief sessions. Other facilities, such as Nellis AFB, are deemed unsuitable due to task saturation and inconsistent range availability. Spaceport America also provides essential facilities like storage, maintenance, and office rooms. This justification highlights the critical need for Spaceport America to ensure safe and effective pilot training and certification.