On-call Air Service Development Contract

The County of Orange, John Wayne Airport is requesting competitive bids for an on-call Air Service Development Contract through IFB, with bids due April 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. This is a fully electronic solicitation; only bids submitted through the County's online bidding portal will be accepted.

County of Orange Local Small Business (OCLSB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certifications are eligible for preference consideration. The scope requires professional air service development services on an as-needed basis, including data analysis, strategic planning, market analysis, airline engagement, benchmarking studies, and route development support. The contractor must demonstrate expertise in medium and large-hub airport operations, understanding of Orange County air passenger demographics, knowledge of airline decision-making factors and incentive programs, access to airline network planning departments, and familiarity with the 1985 Settlement Agreement, Phase 2 Commercial Airline Access Plan, and General Aviation Noise Ordinance at John Wayne Airport. Tasks will involve coordination with County representatives, airline personnel, consultants, trade associations, and federal agencies.

The contract term is three calendar years from execution, with an option to renew for two additional years by mutual written agreement subject to County Board of Supervisors approval. Compensation is structured as firm fixed rates by labor category: Principal, President, Vice President, Director, Research Director, Research Manager, Senior Analyst, Project Analyst, and Administration positions. Bidders must submit hourly rates for each category; pricing remains firm throughout the contract term. The County reserves the right to make multiple awards and may negotiate with the selected bidder.

Award will be based on the lowest responsive, responsible bid meeting all solicitation requirements. Bids remain valid for 365 days following closing. Questions are due March 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Prior to award, contractors must obtain County of Orange D-U-N-S and UEI numbers and provide a valid W-9 or W-8 form. Contractors must comply with airport security requirements including fingerprinting, background checks, and badging within six weeks of contract execution, and must maintain commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), workers' compensation (statutory), employers liability ($1,000,000), and professional liability ($1,000,000) insurance.