How to bid on CH-47 Aircraft Staging Site support for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense, specifically the Army's Cargo Helicopters Project Management Office, is looking for small businesses to provide logistic and operational support for CH-47F Block I and Block II helicopters. This includes staging and maintaining up to eight helicopters within 75 miles of Huntsville, Alabama.

The work involves aircraft maintenance at field and sustainment levels, managing 40,000 square feet of parts and equipment storage, technical support, modifications, test flights, inspections, and inventory management. The anticipated contract will have a 12-month base period, including a 90-day phase-in, and four 12-month option periods, totaling up to 60 months.

Key dates and deadlines

This is a Request for Information (RFI), meaning the agency is gathering information from potential vendors. Responses are due by August 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. This is not a request for proposals, but your response helps the agency understand the market and shape a future solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with expertise in aircraft maintenance, particularly for helicopters like the CH-47. Firms with capabilities in logistics, inventory management, and technical support for aviation equipment will find this relevant. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this is 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing, and the Product Service Code (PSC) is J016, Maintenance, Repair, And Rebuilding of Equipment- Aircraft Components and Accessories.

The agency anticipates a total small business set-aside competitive contract, so this is specifically for small businesses.

How to respond

To respond, you need to provide your company's name, address, CAGE code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, and point of contact information (phone and email).

Your response must include a capability statement, not exceeding ten pages, outlining your ability to meet the requirements in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). Additionally, you must provide responses to a set of specific capability questions, also not exceeding ten pages. The total response should not exceed 20 pages.

Practical tips for preparing your response

Carefully review the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) to understand the full scope of services required. Tailor your capability statement to directly address these requirements, highlighting your company's relevant experience and expertise.

When answering the capability questions, be specific and provide concrete examples, especially when asked about past performance or managing complex tasks. If you have experience with CH-47 aircraft or similar heavy-lift helicopters, emphasize that. Clearly state your small business status and confirm your facility's proximity to Huntsville, Alabama. Detail your certifications, security plans, and inventory management systems. Ensure your response is concise and adheres to the page limits for each section.