Market Survey - Flight Testing Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration's Technical Center, specifically the Fuels and Energy Section (ANG-E283), is seeking to procure or lease one Cessna high-wing aircraft for approximately one year to conduct research and development testing of experimental unleaded aviation fuels. Acceptable aircraft models are limited to Cessna 172 (models E through Q) or Cessna 182 (models N, P, or Q), equipped with updraft carbureted engines including the O-470-U, O-360, O-320, or O-540. The aircraft must meet stringent airframe and engine requirements, including fixed landing gear, current airworthiness directives compliance, current annual inspection, good compression exceeding 70/80 psi, minimal oil consumption, and complete engine logbook documentation; the FAA prefers aircraft equipped with engine monitors such as a Garmin GI275. Vendors must submit a three-page maximum Capability Statement addressing their ability to provide a compliant aircraft, whether lease or purchase is feasible, and rough order of magnitude pricing for both options; evaluation will determine the final acquisition strategy, which may be unrestricted competition, a set-aside, or another approach based on demonstrated competition. Critical deadlines include February 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET for submitting questions and March 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET for submitting capability statements to Nicole.Saiauskie@faa.gov.

This market survey carries no set-aside designation and is open to large businesses, small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, women-owned small businesses, HubZone small businesses, and 8(a) certified firms. No incumbent contractor or award value has been identified in the announcement, and all costs associated with responding to the market survey are the vendor's responsibility. The anticipated contract period is approximately one year from award, during which the aircraft will undergo special experimental airworthiness certification testing with experimental unleaded fuels; vendors should be aware that fuel system, engine, and related components may be altered or rendered unusable upon return to normal certification. The FAA will not reimburse response costs and will not accept unsolicited proposals, and any confidential or proprietary information submitted should be marked as "Source Selection Sensitive" for protection during the source selection process.