Beechcraft King Air B360 aircraft - Intent to Sole Source

The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a sole-source intent notice on July 27, 2026, for the purchase of one new Beechcraft King Air B360 aircraft from Textron Aviation Inc., with a fifteen-day posting period closing August 10, 2026. The procurement is justified under FAR 6.103-1 (Only One Responsible Source); Textron Aviation is the original and exclusive manufacturer of the King Air B300 aircraft and holds all related intellectual property rights.

The DEA requires a pressurized twin-turboprop aircraft capable of accommodating a minimum of two crew members and eight passengers, with a 50-by-50-inch cargo door opening (350 cubic feet capacity), 50 cubic feet of interior baggage space, and 500-pound weight capacity for crew and mission equipment. High-temperature and high-altitude performance are essential for extended overwater flights, extradition missions, and heavy-load cargo operations. The DEA's existing fleet comprises 96.4 percent Textron products (51 Cessna, 10 Beechcraft, and 20 Bell aircraft); the agency has invested over $20 million in compatible spare parts, engines, and components. Introducing a different airframe manufacturer would increase operational downtime due to pilot training, maintenance requirements, and type-rating costs.

Market research through a Source Sought Notice posted April 10, 2026, and closed May 7, 2026, identified seven interested vendors but confirmed only Textron Aviation meets the DEA's requirements. The award will be firm-fixed price under FAR Parts 12 and 15, with an estimated delivery date of September 30, 2030. Fair and reasonable pricing will be determined through comparison with historical government prices and an Independent Government Cost Estimate.