Tow Jet Service for TG-16 Glider

The Department of the Air Force Air Mobility Command is conducting market research through this sources sought notice to identify contractors capable of providing tow jet services for a TG-16 glider demonstration at the Travis Air Force Base Wings over Solano Airshow scheduled for April 24-26, 2026. The contractor must furnish a single tow aircraft (Cessna 185 or equivalent) piloted by a FAA Commercial or ATP-licensed pilot to tow the glider to altitudes of 10,000 feet AGL or less. Key requirements include performing one practice flight on April 24 and two demonstration flights on April 25-26, with each flight lasting approximately 20-30 minutes, while maintaining $1,000,000 in personal liability insurance and providing all necessary personnel, tools, materials, and tow rope. Contractors must submit responses by April 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time to SSgt Socrates Rosimo at socrates.rosimo.1@us.af.mil, including business information, capability package, proof of SAM registration, and CAGE Code, though this is explicitly a market research effort with no commitment to procure services based on responses received.

This is a total small business set-aside opportunity with no formal incumbent or current contractor identified in the notice. The government will provide up to 350 gallons of Jet-A fuel, one rental vehicle with flight line access, two performer passes, and designated work location at Travis AFB, with all personnel and equipment required to arrive by close of business April 23, 2026, and depart no later than 0800 PDT on April 27, 2026. While no specific award value or budget range is disclosed in this sources sought phase, the relatively short service period spanning three days with limited flight hours suggests a modest contract value. The government anticipates minimal advance notice for submission, as responses are due only four days after the posting date, and all submission costs are the vendor's responsibility with submissions becoming government property upon receipt.