NIGP 91817: Aviation Consulting

NIGP 91817 Aviation Consulting is an Item code encompassing specialized professional services that state and local aviation authorities are actively procuring to support capital planning, facility management, operational readiness, and infrastructure development. Recent solicitations under this code reveal a market focused on master planning studies, facilities condition assessments, owner's representation and construction management, technical liaison services during capital projects, and financial advisory work. The City of Gallup, New Mexico issued an RFP for federal lobbying services (Solicitation 2026202701, due August 6, 2026) to secure federal funding for water supply and infrastructure projects; Pinellas County, Florida solicited an Owner's Representative for construction management of a new parking garage at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (RFQ 260671RFQCCNA, due August 20, 2026); and Orlando International Airport posted an ITN for an Airline Technical Representative to serve as liaison between airlines and the airport's planning and operations teams (ITN 26581, due August 12, 2026). Sacramento County Department of Airports issued an RFP for comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment and Asset Management Services across four airports (RFP 2026WW03, due September 8, 2026). The issuing bodies span county airport authorities, city aviation departments, and regional airport operators, with repeat activity from Sacramento County and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Geographic concentration centers on Florida (Orlando, Pinellas, Tampa Bay region), Georgia (Thomson-McDuffie County, Decatur County, Augusta, Atlanta), and the Southwest (New Mexico), with secondary activity in California (Sacramento) and Oregon. Florida airports—particularly MCO and regional facilities—drive a significant proportion of current competition, reflecting ongoing terminal renovations, baggage system upgrades, and ground transportation infrastructure projects. Texas higher education institutions (Texas State University, Texas State Technical College) are procuring flight instruction and aviation engineering services under this code, expanding the market beyond traditional airport authorities. Representative recent opportunities span planning and master planning (Sacramento County's asset management RFP, Oregon Department of Aviation's Chapter 8 Plan update), design-build administration and owner's representation (Pinellas County parking garage), specialized technical liaison roles during capital projects (Orlando MCO), and financial consulting (Sacramento County airport financial services). A mandatory pre-proposal conference or site visit is common; response windows typically allow 30 to 60 days from posting. Evaluation is predominantly qualification-based with FAA compliance, relevant experience, and technical approach weighted heavily; many solicitations require GDOT Area Class 2.09 prequalification (Aviation Design) or equivalent state-level credentials. Set-asides and preferences vary by issuing body—some employ small business enterprise or local business preferences, while federally funded projects enforce Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and prevailing wage requirements. Contract terms generally run three to five years with renewal options; compensation structures frequently use lump-sum fees, hourly rates, or task order-based pricing. Activity under this code reflects robust capital modernization cycles at mid-size and larger regional airports and sustained demand from aviation-focused educational institutions.