Bid guide
How to bid on Crane Services with Operator IDIQ for the Federal Aviation Administration
What the FAA is buying and why it matters
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking crane services with an operator under a five-year, multiple-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. These services are needed for installing weather caps and cab glass at air traffic control towers and shelters located at airport facilities across the United States.
This is a significant opportunity for small businesses, as the contract is 100% set aside for small business concerns. Being awarded an IDIQ contract means a vendor can compete for multiple task orders over a five-year period, providing a stable potential for ongoing work with the FAA.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The solicitation was published on July 20, 2026. Proposals are due by August 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET (which is 2:00 PM CST). No late submissions will be accepted.
All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email only to [email protected]. Questions must be received no later than one week before the solicitation close date to allow for timely responses. Phone calls will not be accepted.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for small businesses that provide specialty trade contracting services, particularly those involving crane operations. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this effort is 238990, "All Other Specialty Trade Contractors," with a size standard of $19 million.
Firms with experience in construction, installation, or maintenance work at airport facilities, especially those involving specialized equipment like cranes, are well-suited for this contract. Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for award.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation documents, you will need to click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.
Once you have reviewed the full solicitation, follow the instructions outlined in Section L (Page 61) for submitting a responsive proposal. Section M (Page 67) details the evaluation factors and criteria that the FAA will use to assess proposals. Ensure your proposal clearly addresses all requirements.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully read the entire solicitation, paying close attention to Sections L and M. These sections provide the roadmap for what to include in your proposal and how it will be judged. Missing a required element or failing to address an evaluation factor can lead to your proposal being deemed non-responsive.
Since pricing will be determined at the Task Order level, focus your proposal on demonstrating your firm's capabilities, experience, and understanding of the required crane services. Highlight any relevant past performance, especially work completed at similar government or airport facilities. Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up to date, as this is a mandatory requirement for award.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Federal Aviation Administration; the original posting controls.