The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded Avcon Industries, Inc. a firm fixed price purchase order valued at $154.3K for specialized aircraft components. The contract calls for the design and manufacture of oversized fused silica with glass coating—specifically potassium-free sensor glass—intended for the forward sensor port of NOAA's King Air 350 aircraft used in survey and atmospheric testing missions. This sole-source award was justified based on market research demonstrating that Avcon Industries holds over 270 FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificates specifically for King Air aircraft, positioning the company as uniquely capable of meeting this specialized requirement. The contract is classified as a Purchase Order under FAR Part 13 procedures with no set-aside designation and carries a completion deadline of January 23, 2026.
Avcon Industries, a worldwide leader in aircraft special mission modifications based in Newton, Kansas, will serve as the prime contractor on this engagement. The company specializes in designing, integrating, and installing custom electronic systems, ISR configurations, and avionics modifications for various mission profiles including aerial photography, geological survey, and atmospheric testing. Avcon Industries operates as a child entity under parent company Butler National Corporation, an aerospace and defense-focused manufacturer based in Tempe, Arizona. This award supports NOAA's operational capabilities for specialized atmospheric and survey missions conducted by its modified King Air fleet.