USSS RFI_AVIATION SUPPORT SERVICES_1.2.25.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE (USSS)

OFFICE OF TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT AND APPLIED RESEARCH (TEC)

AVIATION SUPPORT SERVICES

January 2, 2026

This notice constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.101 (FAR Class Deviation 26-08) for the purpose of determining the capability of sources in the marketplace. This RFI is for procurement planning purposes only and responses will be treated as information only and not as a proposal. This RFI shall not be construed as a request for proposals/quotes, solicitation, or a commitment on the Government to issue any future solicitation or award. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of the RFI or otherwise pay for the information requested. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with the development and submission of materials in response to this request.

The potential North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this requirement are as follows:

· 481111 – Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation

· 481211 – Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation

· 481219 – Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation

· 488119 – Other Airport Operations

· 926120 – Regulation and Administration of Transportation Programs

The objective of this RFI is to engage with industry to identify potential sources and solutions for dedicated aviation assets to support the protection mission of the United States Secret Service. This RFI seeks input from industry regarding capabilities, best practices, and innovative approaches for fixed-wing aviation support, including chartered and dedicated aircraft, to enhance operational effectiveness, mission readiness, and rapid deployment capabilities.

MISSION BACKGROUND:

The United States Secret Service (USSS) Office of Technical Development and Applied Research (TEC) is seeking supplemental support to address mission-critical requirements associated with operational challenges due to reliance on commercial air travel for the movement of personnel, special teams, and critical equipment. These challenges include scheduling constraints, security vulnerabilities, extended travel times, logistical complexity, and limited access to remote locations. These limitations impact the USSS’s ability to maintain agility, operational security, and mission readiness, especially during high-tempo operations such as National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and campaign seasons.

To address these challenges, the USSS is evaluating the establishment of a dedicated aviation capability of fixed-wing assets, minimizing travel time, reducing logistical burdens, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

This requirement is intended not only to address current operational needs but also to provide a scalable solution capable of supporting increased demand during periods of heavy operational tempo. The envisioned capability must be adaptable to surge requirements, ensuring sustained alignment of protective measures with evolving mission needs.

MISSION NEEDS/REQUIREMENTS:

To address mission-critical requirements and enhance operational capabilities, the USSS Office of Technical Development and Applied Research (TEC) is seeking aviation support solutions to improve mission readiness, agility, and operational security. Objectives include enabling secure (non-public) operational briefings en route, increasing access to smaller and remote airports, and supporting rapid deployment for short-notice, disaster, and critical incident response. Aviation assets should be capable of supporting continuity of operations (COOP) and must offer flexible options such as charter, lease, or contractor-owned and operated aircraft for efficient movement of personnel, special teams, and light equipment or personal luggage. While secure communications infrastructure is not required, the ability to utilize or accommodate government-provided secure communications equipment on board is highly desirable. This requirement anticipates a phased, scalable approach for future upgrades, with initial capabilities focused on fixed-wing aircraft for 10–12 passengers with rapid response times in FY26, expanding to multiple aircraft supporting 20–30 passengers and high-tempo operations in FY27, FY28, and beyond.

Interested parties are requested to address the following requirements and objectives in their responses. Please provide detailed information on capabilities, proposed solutions, and relevant experience:

Fleet and Capabilities

· What is the average age and maintenance status of your fleet?

· What are the maximum range and payload capabilities of your aircraft?

· Are your aircraft equipped for all-weather operations and/or night flying?

· What is the minimum runway length required for takeoff and landing for each aircraft in your fleet?

· Are your aircraft capable of operating from smaller regional or remote airports, including those with limited infrastructure?

· What is the current base of operations for your fleet, and do you have satellite bases or the ability to reposition assets as needed?

· What is the seating configuration and cargo capacity for each aircraft type?

· Are there restrictions on the types or sizes of equipment and luggage that can be transported?

· Do you have experience operating in environments with limited ground support or fuel availability?

· Are your aircraft compliant with all FAA and/or TSA operational and security requirements?

· What is your policy for backup or replacement aircraft in the event of mechanical issues or delays?

· What is the maximum number of aircraft and crews you can dedicate to USSS missions during peak periods (e.g., campaign seasons, NSSEs)?

· Are there any limitations or requirements regarding crew rest, duty cycles, or maximum flight hours per day?

· Are there any additional features or capabilities of your fleet that would enhance USSS mission effectiveness, particularly during high-tempo or remote operations?

Operations and Logistics

· What is your experience operating in the National Capital Region (NCR)?

· What logistical support do you provide for rapid deployment or emergency missions?

· Can you support multi-leg or multi-day missions, and what is your process for crew rest and rotation?

· What is your contingency plan for aircraft or crew unavailability?

· What is your process for mission planning and coordination with government agencies, including last-minute changes or requirements?

· How do you handle flight planning, fueling, and ground support at smaller or remote airports?

· What is your ability to provide ground transportation or coordination at destination airports?

· How do you ensure timely and secure loading/unloading of personnel and equipment?

· Can you provide 24/7 operational support, including dispatch and flight following?

· How do you manage and track logistical requirements for multiple simultaneous missions?

· What is your process for coordinating with local, state, and federal authorities for airport access and security?

· What is your process for after-action reporting, debriefs, and lessons learned?

· Can you provide temporary hangar facilities at destination or staging airports?

· What is your experience with surge staffing or scaling operations to meet increased demand?

· What is your process for maintaining and servicing aircraft while deployed to temporary or remote locations?

· Are you able to coordinate catering or other mission-specific services as needed?

· What is your process for integrating USSS-specific security protocols and operational requirements into your standard operating procedures?

Security and Compliance

· What security protocols do you have in place for sensitive missions?

· Are your aircraft equipped with secure storage for classified materials or equipment, or can such storage be accommodated if required?

· Is there an option to utilize or accommodate government-provided secure communications equipment on board, if necessary?

· Do you currently employ pilots, flight crew, or maintenance personnel with active security clearances? If so, what levels?

· If not, what is your process for vetting and conducting background checks for crew members, and how do you support obtaining necessary clearances (if needed)?

Regulatory and Permissions

· What is your experience obtaining TSA waivers or FAA special flight authorizations?

· What is your process for handling restricted airspace or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), including advance planning and real-time adjustments?

· What is your familiarity with and ability to comply with federal, state, and local aviation regulations?

· How do you manage regulatory compliance documents for each mission, including required permits, notifications, and approvals?

· What is your process for obtaining landing rights and airport slots at regional, national, and military airports, especially on short notice?

· What support do you provide to facilitate access to secure or restricted airport facilities?

· What is your experience and process for supporting missions that require access to military bases or installations?

Contracting and Experience

· What is your experience working under federal government contracts, including GSA schedules or IDIQs?

· What is your typical response time for task order requests?

· Can you provide references or case studies from previous government contracts?

· What lessons have you identified from previous government aviation support missions?

· What is your experience with contract modifications, extensions, or surge requirements during periods of increased operational tempo?

· Are you familiar and able to comply with federal invoices, reporting, and audit requirements?

· Do you have experience managing multiple concurrent contracts for different government agencies?

· How do you ensure compliance with contract terms, deliverables, and performance standards?

· Can you provide information on any past performance issues and how they were resolved?

Financial Management, Pricing and Value

· How do you structure your pricing for government clients (hourly, per mission, retainer), and can you provide sample pricing scenarios for typical mission profiles, including multi-leg or multi-day operations?

· What cost-saving measures do you offer for long-term or high-volume contracts?

· Are there any additional value-added services included in your pricing, such as mission planning, ground transportation, or logistical support?

· How do you handle pricing adjustments for changes in mission scope or requirements, and what is your policy on additional fees for short-notice, after-hours operations, cancellation, rescheduling, or mission aborts?

· How do you ensure price transparency and provide detailed invoices for government clients?

· How do you ensure project documentation is accurate and complete to support financial reporting and accountability?

· What is your experience monitoring, reporting, and analyzing the financial status of operations, including budget planning, formulation, flight hour tracking, and ensuring program compliance and performance?

· Can you provide advice and guidance on ongoing and future program funding needs, including recommendations for financial strategies?

· What is your experience assisting with the development of annual and multi-year budgets for aviation programs?

· Are you proficient in federal government program and budget formation, execution, appropriation law, and financial management regulations relevant to aviation support?

· Can you assist in developing statements of work (SOWs), cost estimates, technical proposals, Gantt charts, or integrated master schedules for aviation-related projects?

· How do you analyze project financial data to ensure compliance with documented directives, instructions, policies, and procedures?

· What is your experience supporting financial audits, reviews, and assessments for aviation programs?

· Are you proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) and MS Project for financial management and reporting tasks?

Additional Recommendations

· Innovative ideas, best practices, or alternative approaches to address USSS mission requirements.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Interested parties are invited to submit responses to this RFI that demonstrate their recent and relevant experience in providing aviation support services, as well as their ability to deliver qualified technical expertise to meet the requirements outlined in this notice. Submissions should include examples of recent and relevant aviation support experience that highlight the firm’s capability to fulfill the operational, logistical, security, and financial management needs described. If referencing specific contracts, respondents must include the contract numbers, a description of the aviation-related work performed, and a point of contact for each referenced contract. For teaming or subcontracting arrangements, responses must identify the specific contract number associated with those arrangements. If the demonstrated services were performed for a private entity, the submission should also include a verifying reference for such work. Responses should be limited to 10 pages.

All interested firms are encouraged to submit a capabilities statement that demonstrates their understanding, capability, approach, qualifications, and experience in meeting the aviation support requirements. Additionally, firms should identify any challenges and risks associated with fulfilling the requirements described in this RFI and provide a detailed explanation of how their organization would minimize or mitigate these risks.

In addition to the above, complete the following table to be included in the RFI response:

General Contractor Information:

8. Business Size:

☐ O – Other Than Small Business ☐ S – Small Business

· Socioeconomic Status (if Applicable):

☐ HZ – HUBZone ☐ SDVOSB – Service-disabled veteran-owned small business ☐ EDWOSB – Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business ☐ WOSB – Women-owned small business ☐ 8(a) Small Business

Provide a Response to the following:

☐ No

☐ No

Additional Details (if applicable): [Enter response]

☐ No

Additional Details (if applicable): [Enter response]

4. Please provide estimated pricing for each requirement listed below. For each requirement, include a detailed breakdown of costs. You may submit your pricing breakdown in a separate Excel attachment if preferred.

Requirement 1:

Provide estimated pricing for initial capabilities focused on fixed-wing aircraft able to transport 10-12 passengers, with a minimum response time of 4-8 hours. Assume a total of 200 flight hours for FY26.

Requirement 2:

Provide estimated pricing for multiple aircraft able to transport 20-30 passengers, supporting high-tempo operations in FY27, FY28, and beyond, with a minimum response time of 12-24 hours. Assume a total of 400 flight hours per year.

[Enter response]

Small business concerns may submit capability statements that include the expertise of large business partner companies under a teaming arrangement. If a teaming arrangement is contemplated, the response must clearly identify the work that the small business firm intends to perform and the work that the large business teaming partner intends to perform. Submissions must also ensure compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2025) (Deviation 26-03), which requires that at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the small business concern.

As much as possible, it is preferred that capability statements be nonproprietary. However, capability statements containing company-sensitive data and concepts will be accepted, and the Government will respect restricted data markings. Responders are expected to appropriately mark their submissions that contain proprietary information. Receipt of classified materials is not anticipated.

USSS will review submissions to assess whether the information provided demonstrates an understanding of the requirements and the ability to meet them. Submissions should be clear, concise, and provide sufficient detail to allow for an informed evaluation. No feedback or evaluation results will be shared with respondents as this RFI is for informational purposes only.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

All responses shall be submitted electronically, via email, no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 12, 2026, to the points of contacts listed below. Only attach Microsoft Word/Excel compatible files or Adobe Acrobat PDF files in electronic correspondence.

Points of Contact:

Contract Specialist: Sarah Diamond, sarah.diamond@usss.dhs.gov

Contracting Officer: Crystal Garcia, crystal.garcia@usss.dhs.gov