Air National Guard combat rescue helicopter simulator facility

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is seeking construction services for an Air National Guard Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator Facility at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in New York. The project involves constructing an approximately 26,845 square foot facility designed to house a HH-60W helicopter simulator, including an operational flight trainer simulator bay, computer image generator room, mission planning rooms, administrative spaces, and supporting infrastructure. The facility will feature slab-on-grade foundation, masonry veneer and metal panel exterior, and standing seam metal roofing, constructed to collateral secret open storage criteria. The solicitation requires bidders to submit proposals for both base bid items and all optional bid items, with award going to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the total sum of specified contract line item numbers. The original bid opening date was September 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST, with the Request for Information period closing on September 8, 2025.

This procurement is conducted as an unrestricted full and open competition with HUBZone price preference, classified under NAICS code 236220 with a size standard of $45 million. Based on the bid abstract, six contractors submitted proposals with values ranging from approximately $12.3 million to $17.4 million, with VRD Contracting Inc. submitting the lowest corrected bid at $13,025,000 and Benaka Inc. providing competitive pricing. The contract requires a 570 calendar day performance period with a 5-calendar day lead time from notice to proceed, and contractors must provide performance and payment bonds. The project includes both base work for the simulator facility and site work, plus five optional items covering emergency lighting, furnishings and equipment, vehicle emergency lane, additional parking, and a fire pump credit option. Performance will take place at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton, New York, with the government maintaining discretion to exercise optional items at different phases of the project timeline.