ICEX 2026 Operation Ice Camp Air Charter Services
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- TRANSCOM25CC01
- Agency
-
United States Transportation Command
Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 481212 Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
- Place of performance
- Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is seeking air charter services to support the U.S. Navy's Undersea Warfighting Development Center Detachment Arctic Submarine Laboratory during ICEX 2026 Operation Ice Camp. The procurement requires multiple specialized aircraft types including two ski-wheel equipped fixed-wing aircraft for pioneering landings on sea ice, one rear-loading fixed-wing aircraft for personnel and cargo transport, and two rotary-wing helicopters for personnel movement, sling load operations, emergency medical evacuations, and equipment recovery. All aircraft must be capable of operating in extreme Arctic conditions from Deadhorse, Alaska, to support a drifting ice camp located 100-225 nautical miles offshore in the Arctic Ocean. Key performance objectives include 95% on-time arrival rates, 100% scheduled load carriage, and 95% service quality standards. This Request for Information seeks detailed contractor responses regarding company capabilities, aircraft specifications, operational challenges, and pricing structures, with responses due by September 8, 2025, and an anticipated contract award date of January 1, 2026.
This procurement does not utilize any small business set-aside designations and encourages responses from businesses of all sizes across various socio-economic categories. The performance period extends from February 19, 2026, to March 25, 2026, with specific service periods varying by aircraft type and totaling approximately 148-168 flight hours per Contract Line Item Number. The Independent Government Cost Estimate spreadsheet indicates four separate CLINs covering the different aircraft requirements, though specific budget values are not disclosed in the available documentation. The contract will support critical Arctic submarine research and military training operations, requiring contractors to provide fuel for their aircraft and maintain specialized navigation, communication, and GPS systems suitable for Arctic operations. USTRANSCOM is conducting market research to understand commercial Arctic aviation practices, technologies, and operational considerations before issuing the formal solicitation.
Notice text
The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) requires air charter services to support the U.S. Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center Detachment Arctic Submarine Laboratory during ICEX 2026 Operation Ice Camp. These services are critical to enabling safe and effective operations in the Arctic Ocean environment, including the establishment and sustainment of a drifting ice camp approximately 100 to 225 nautical miles from Deadhorse, Alaska. The contractor shall provide fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft capable of operating in extreme Arctic conditions. The scope of the requirement includes, but is not limited to:
- Pioneering Landings: Conduct initial landings on drifting sea ice to identify and prepare a suitable location for the ice camp. Aircraft must be ski-wheel equipped and capable of operating without a groomed runway.
- Personnel and Cargo Transport: Provide rear-loading fixed-wing aircraft for the transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from the ice camp. Aircraft must have sufficient payload capacity and be capable of operating on compacted snow or ice runways.
- Rotary-Wing Operations: Provide helicopter services for personnel transport, sling load operations, emergency medical evacuations, and recovery of exercise equipment. Helicopters must be capable of operating in Arctic conditions and refueling at the ice camp.
- Sustainment Operations: Support the ice camp throughout the period of performance, including routine flights for resupply, personnel rotation, and contingency operations.
The contractor shall ensure all aircraft are equipped with GPS, navigation, and communication systems suitable for Arctic operations. All flights will originate from Deadhorse, Alaska (ICAO: PASC, IATA: SCC), and the contractor is responsible for procuring fuel for their aircraft.
The projected period of performance is from 19 February 2026 to 25 March 2026, with specific service periods and flight hour requirements for each aircraft type outlined in the PWS. The contractor must provide experienced pilots with expertise in Arctic operations, including landing on drifting sea ice.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| ICEX_19 AUG25_REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.pdf | ||
| CE ICEX 2026 Air Charter Services.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| ICEX2026 - Air Charter Services PWS_DRAFT.pdf |
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