Bid guide
How to bid on F-35A Lightning II Replica Models for the Vermont Air National Guard
What the agency is buying
The Vermont Air National Guard is seeking qualified small businesses to design, build, deliver, and install two large-scale replica models of the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. These models must be 1:10 scale or larger, highly durable, and suitable for long-term outdoor display in Vermont. This is an opportunity for firms specializing in custom fabrication, large-scale models, or outdoor sculptures to showcase their capabilities.
This is a Request for Information (RFI), also known as a Sources Sought Notice. The agency is conducting market research to identify potential vendors and understand their capabilities. This notice is not a solicitation for a contract award, but it helps the agency plan for future procurements.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for submitting your response is August 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. At this time, the agency will stop accepting capability statements. It is important to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Since this is an RFI, there will not be a contract awarded immediately after the deadline. The agency will review the submitted capability statements to assess the market and determine its procurement strategy for this requirement.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with expertise in custom fabrication, particularly those experienced with durable materials like FRP molding and steel. Firms that have previously created large-scale outdoor displays, sculptures, or aerospace replicas will find this a good fit. The project requires a PE-certified mounting system, so experience with structural engineering for outdoor installations is also relevant.
The category for this opportunity is supplies, specifically custom-fabricated items for display purposes. Businesses with a strong portfolio in manufacturing and installing bespoke outdoor structures should consider responding.
How to respond
To access the full details and prepare your response, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, but for many bids, you can access them without logging in. Once you have reviewed the attached technical specifications and installation requirements, prepare your capability statement.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Your capability statement should be no more than five pages. Clearly detail your company's profile, including your name, address, UEI, CAGE code, and socio-economic status. Be precise and concise in this section.
For the technical approach, provide a brief overview of how your firm would handle the FRP molding, steel fabrication, and the PE-certified mounting system. Highlight your firm's specific expertise in these areas. When describing past performance, give concrete examples of similar outdoor display, sculpture, or aerospace replica fabrication projects completed within the last five years. Include project names, dates, and a brief description of your role and the outcome. Finally, use the opportunity to ask any clarifying questions or provide feedback on the technical specifications or installation parameters; this shows you have thoroughly reviewed the requirements and are engaged.
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 Vermont Air National Guard; the original posting controls.