RFI TRANSCOM25C003 AFRICOM DPACS 06JUN.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

FOR

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND (USTRANSCOM)

AFRICOM Dedicated Passenger Air Charter Service (DPACS)

TRANSCOM25C003

1. RFI Overview

In 2026, USTRANSCOM plans to award the AFRICOM Dedicated Passenger Air Charter Service (DPACS) contract. This contract will require the contractor to provide one primary and one optional surge (15-day response) IFR-equipped, turbine-powered, multi-engine aircraft, based at Stuttgart Army Airfield or Stuttgart International Airport, Germany. The primary aircraft must be capable of transporting at least 12 passengers and 4,500 lbs. of cargo up to 4,250 nautical miles, and equipped with features such as internal passenger stairs, an APU, and a lavatory. This aircraft must also have robust communication capabilities, including a satellite system that includes secure voice, data, and video. The contractor will be responsible for all operational aspects, including crew, maintenance, clearances, and passenger care. USTRANSCOM's objective is a responsive, flexible, and secure air transportation solution supporting missions within the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and United States European Command (USEUCOM) Areas of Responsibility (AOR). USTRANSCOM is currently conducting market research to understand existing solutions and industry needs for developing a successful acquisition strategy.

This announcement constitutes an RFI for informational and planning purposes only.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded as a result. Industry’s response to the RFI—or lack thereof—will have no impact on the evaluation of responses to any subsequent RFP or Request for Quote (RFQ) released. The information requested will be used within USTRANSCOM as market research to facilitate decision making (e.g., determining acquisition strategy, small business concerns) and will not be disclosed outside the Government.

Proprietary information submitted shall be appropriately marked. Do not submit confidential information in your response.

**Note** USTRANSCOM will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties responding to this RFI.

1.1. RFI Contact(s)

We have designated the following individual(s) to serve as the official point(s) of contact (POCs) for this RFI. These individual(s) are the only authorized contact(s) permitted to communicate on behalf of USTRANSCOM about this RFI.

Contact information for RFI POC(s):

NAME TITLE OFFICE EMAIL PHONE

Mr. Thomas Fee Contracting Officer

TCAQ-

CR Thomas.m.fee2.civ@mail.mil 618-817-9495

Ms. Brenda Marshall Contract Specialist

TCAQ-

CR Brenda.l.marshall10.civ@mail.mil 618-817-9385

MSgt Shawn Creedon Contract Specialist

TCAQ-

CR shawn.m.creedon.mil@mail.mil 618-817-0940

1.2. Submission Details

Please submit your response to this RFI via email to the RFI POC(s) identified in Section 1.1. and ensure it is received prior to the due date identified in Section 1.3. If you have any questions about this RFI, please direct them to the RFI POC(s) listed in Section 1.1.

Physical (paper) copies of RFI responses will not be accepted.

1.3. RFI Timeline

The RFI timeline is outlined below. Dates may be modified by USTRANSCOM and posted as an amendment to this RFI.

RFI Released: 30 MAY 2025 Deadline for Questions*: 06 JUN 2025 Responses Due*: 13 JUN 2025

*By close of business, or 4:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time.

2. Background Information

USTRANSCOM conducts globally integrated mobility operations, leads the broader Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, and provides enabling capabilities in order to project and sustain the Joint Force in support of national objectives.

2.1. Scope of the Requirement

Scope: The contract encompasses the provision of a primary aircraft based in Stuttgart, Germany, meeting stringent performance and communication specifications, primarily dedicated to USAFRICOM missions and secondarily to USEUCOM missions throughout their respective AORs. It also includes the provision of a surge aircraft deployable within 15 days of request. The scope covers all necessary personnel, equipment, and services for flight operations, including passenger services and logistics. Furthermore, the Contractor is responsible for all aircraft maintenance, adhering to specific guidelines for maintenance at military installations. The scope also includes comprehensive mission planning and execution coordination with the U.S. Air Forces Europe-Africa (USAFE- AF) 603d Air Operations Center (AOC) A34, obtaining necessary clearances, managing delays and diversions, and complying with military regulations. Finally, the Contractor is responsible for maintaining the primary aircraft's basing in Stuttgart and securing necessary landing permits.

2.2. Place of Performance

Stuttgart, Germany (SAAF) – Operational Support Airlift (OSA) missions across the USAFRICOM and USEUCOM AORs.

2.3. Anticipated Award Timeline

The current contract expires 30 APR 2026. A follow-on contract is anticipated to be awarded on or before 01 APR 2026, with an effective performance start date of 01 MAY 2026,.

3. Information Requested

Parties interested in assisting USTRANSCOM with this market research are requested to submit the following information in the format outlined below. The response should be detailed (but no more than 10 pages). Title pages and cover letter will not count against the page limit. Respondents are highly encouraged to submit a tailored response rather than a generic capability statement to ensure the requested information is provided.

3.1. Company Information

1. Company Name

2. Unique Entity ID

3. CAGE Code

4. POCs, to include name, title, phone number, and email address

3.2. Business Size

The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this effort is 481211, Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation. The Small Business Administration’s small business size standard for this NAICS is 1,500 employees. Based on this NAICS, identify your business size as a LARGE or SMALL business. If a small business, identify any of the following socio-economic categories that apply to your business under this NAICS: Historically Under-utilized Business Zones (known as “HUBZone”), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a), Women-Owned, or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned.

3.3. Who We’re Looking For

USTRANSCOM highly encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes, including large and small business concerns and all socioeconomic categories. However, it should be noted that small business set-aside opportunities are being considered for the NAICS identified in Section 3.2.

3.4. What We’re Looking For

Interested Parties are invited to provide information on the following subjects of interest, specifically describing your capabilities in successfully executing the following:

1. Are you a DOD approved air carrier with a CARB Certification?

2. Provide your company’s type of fixed-wing aircraft available and their capabilities

(speed, range, payload, number of passenger seats, baggage, etc.)

3. Is the aircraft fully equipped and certified to meet current FAA navigation standards applicable to this requirement (e.g., RNAV, RNP)?

4. Based on your industry experience, are there any fixed-wing aircraft that offer valuable alternatives to the requirements stated in draft PWS 1.4 (e.g., improved efficiency, lower operating costs, enhanced capabilities)? For each suggestion, please provide:

a. Aircraft Make and Model (e.g., Gulfstream III)

b. Minimum 12 10-Passenger Capacity

c. Minimum Range with a 4,500 3,000-pound payload

d. Key Capabilities (highlighting advantages over the specified requirements)

e. Explanation of how this aircraft deviates from the stated requirements

f. Rationale for why this alternative would be a superior solution

g. Relevant industry-standard alternatives/solutions related to this aircraft.

5. Describe how you would execute a mission requiring transport of 12 passengers with 500 lbs. of baggage from Stuttgart Airport (ICAO: EDDS) to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ICAO: DNAA), including any potential challenges and mitigation strategies.

6. Based on your industry expertise, what connectivity providers can you identify that provide the capabilities outlined in draft PWS 1.5?

7. PWS 1.4.14 indicates a requirement to install a secure gun safe onboard the aircraft. Are there any regulatory (ITAR) or cost implications the Government should consider with relation to this requirement?

8. How many days from the date of award are necessary for your company to position the primary aircraft, crews, and personnel in Stuttgart, Germany and begin full performance (i.e., flying missions)?

9. What operational challenges and cost implications (including a breakdown of major cost drivers) do you anticipate arising from the requirement to maintain both a dedicated primary aircraft and a separate surge aircraft?

10. Describe your maintenance and support capabilities in Europe, including your ability to respond to maintenance issues in Stuttgart, Germany (e.g., typical response times, availability of spare parts). Does your company utilize in-house or subcontracted maintenance for the potential aircraft utilized to meet this requirement?

11. Please provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate in an Excel file (this file will not count against any page limitations). Include the following with consideration to terms outlined in the CLIN Description sheet and PWS:

a. Estimated per-month rate to maintain dedicated aircraft.

b. Estimated per-hour rate for utilization of aircraft.

c. Estimated per-month rate for surge aircraft.

d. Estimated mobilization/demobilization rate for surge aircraft.

12. Separately, please explain any of the following with relation to your ROM.

a. Please explain any assumptions used in developing your ROM estimate (e.g., personnel footprint, insurance, supply chain considerations, etc.).

b. Are there any other potential fees or charges not covered in the ROM?

13. Identify any additional suggestions or concerns to assist the Government with defining this requirement.

14. Provide the following project or contract information for requirements deemed similar to this effort:

a. A brief description of the project

b. Contract number

c. Period of performance

d. Was your company a prime or subcontractor?

e. Dollar value of the project

f. Scope of the portion of the effort your company supported

g. Note: If your company is a large business, specify whether you partnered or subcontracted with small business concerns to provide the same or similar services as this requirement.

h. Note: If your company has no direct performance or experience with the above, explain how you will perform tasks utilizing experienced subcontractors through a proposed teaming arrangement or the hiring of qualified personnel.

3.5. Commercial Availability

Commercial Practices. Request responses to the following questions as they pertain to providing AFRICOM Dedicated Passenger Air Charter Service (DPACS) support.

1. Are there commercially available services or products that directly address this requirement? If so, please describe the solutions, including key features, functionalities, and limitations. If not directly available, what are the closest commercially available alternatives, and what modifications or adaptations would be necessary to meet the requirement?

2. What industry standards, regulations (including FAA guidelines), and best practices are relevant to this service/product? Please provide specific citations and links where possible. What industry-recognized certifications or qualifications are typically required for providers of this service/product?

3. What contract types (e.g. fixed-price, cost reimbursement) are commonly used for this type of service in the commercial marketplace? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each contract type from the vendor's perspective? Are there any unique contractual considerations or clauses that are typical for this type of engagement?

4. What is the typical contract length for this type of service? Are options commonly utilized? What factors influence the optimal contract length (e.g., investment amortization, technology refresh cycles, market volatility)? Are there any industry trends regarding contract length?

5. What are the common pricing models for this service/product (e.g., subscription, per-unit, tiered pricing)? What are the primary cost drivers? How do these cost drivers typically fluctuate based on factors like volume, location, or service level? What pricing trends have you observed in the market over the past 3 years, and what are your expectations for future pricing?

6. Are there any potential organizational conflicts of interest (OCIs) that might arise in providing this service to the government? If so, how are these OCIs typically mitigated in the commercial marketplace?

7. Are there emerging technologies or innovative approaches that could significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, or security of this service? What are the potential benefits and risks associated with adopting these technologies? What level of technology maturity (e.g., proof-of-concept, pilot deployment, widespread adoption) has been achieved in the commercial market?

8. What are the primary barriers to entry for new vendors in this market? What steps can the government take to promote competition and ensure fair consideration of all qualified vendors, including non-incumbents?

4. Other Important Information

Provide any other suggestions or considerations to improve this procurement. Are there software advancements, industry developments, or innovative solutions to be considered?

For the aircraft types you offer, if a secure storage solution for small arms and ammunition is not a standard commercial offering, please assess the practicality and feasibility of adding such a solution, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and adherence to commercial standards. In either case (standard or non-standard), describe your procedures for handling and documenting small arms and ammunition as hazardous goods in compliance with all applicable FAA and other relevant regulations.

For international flights of varying durations (under 1.5 hours, 1.5-2 hours, 2-4 hours, 4-8 hours, and over 8 hours), please describe your standard in-flight catering services, including sample menus and estimated cost per passenger for each duration category.

What types of meals, snacks, and beverages are typically included in your catering packages for these international flight durations, and how does this generally align with catering provided on commercial international flights of similar lengths?

Please feel free to provide questions and/or comments on the draft Performance Statement (attached (PWS)), citing any information you feel may improve/innovate this requirement.

5. Conclusion

USTRANSCOM would like to thank you for taking the time to review this important RFI, and we look forward to reviewing your response.

Brenda L. Marshall Thomas M. Fee Contract Specialist Contracting Officer 618-817-9385 618-817-9495 Brenda.l.marshall10.civ@mail.mil Thomas.m.fee2.civ@mail.mil

MSgt Shawn Creedon Contract Specialist 618-817-0940 shawn.m.creedon.mil@mail.mil

Attachment(s):

Atch 1 – DRAFT PWS AFRICOM DPACS Atch 2 – ROM Estimate Worksheet mailto:Brenda.l.marshall10.civ@mail.mil mailto:Thomas.m.fee2.civ@mail.mil mailto:shawn.m.creedon.mil@mail.mil