What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking a contractor to provide runway friction testing services at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, under NAICS 488119. This opportunity is set aside for total small businesses, making it suitable for small contractors in the aviation services sector. Interested bidders should note that this is a solicitation notice, indicating that they need to prepare a proposal rather than simply tracking the opportunity. A thorough review of the solicitation attachments is essential for compliance, particularly the requirement to submit a completed price list.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)
RUNWAY FRICTION TESTING AND INSPECTION
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Date: January 2026 (Revision 1)
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1.0 GENERAL
1.1. PURPOSE
This Performance Work Statement (PWS) defines the requirements for a
contractor to provide all necessary management, labor, equipment, and
materials to perform recurring aircraft runway inspections using Continuous
Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME). These services are for Air Base (JB
CHS – AB), North Auxiliary Airfield (JB CHS – NAAF).
1.2. BACKGROUND
Joint Base Charleston shares its runways with Charleston International
Airport. It operates two concrete runways: Runway 15/33 (9,001 ft x 150 ft)
and Runway 3/21 (7,000 ft x 150 ft). Additionally, the geographically
separated North Auxiliary Airfield, approximately 92 miles northwest of JB-
CHS, operates two asphalt runways: Runway 6/24 (12,000 ft x 150 ft) and
Runway 5/23 (3,000 ft x 90 ft). Regular friction testing is critical for ensuring
the safety of all aircraft operations.
1.3. SCOPE
The Contractor shall provide services to include, test scheduling, equipment
calibration, testing coordination, friction inspection and testing, retesting, and
final report generation. All work shall be performed in accordance with the
standards set forth in this PWS and all applicable documents.
1.4. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
All work shall conform to the latest editions of the following documents. In
case of a conflict, the most stringent standard shall apply.
• FAA AC 150/5320-12: Measurement, Construction, and Maintenance of
Skid-Resistant Airport Pavement Surfaces.
• UFC 3-260-01: Airfield and Heliport Planning and Design.
• UFC 3-270-01: O&M: Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Maintenance and
Repair.
• AFI 13-213: Airfield Driving.
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• AFI 91-203: Air Force Consolidated Occupational Safety Instruction.
2.0 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
2.1. TEST SCHEDULING
Within 30 days of contract start, the Contractor shall submit an annual testing
schedule to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The schedule
must propose a minimum of four quarterly testing events, with designated
alternate dates. When testing is required at both JB-CHS and JB CHS – NAAF,
tests shall be scheduled for completion on the same day. If separate dates
are necessary due to weather, training, or operational needs, the tests must
occur within the same 14-day period.
2.2. EQUIPMENT AND CALIBRATION
A current CFME calibration certificate, dated within 30 days of the testing
event, must be presented to the COR prior to any testing. Calibrations must be
within the tolerances set by the equipment manufacturer. The Contractor shall
ensure all equipment is in good working order and notify the COR at least 7
days prior to testing if the CFME to be used has changed, providing all new
manufacturer information.
2.3. COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION
• Event Coordination: The Contractor shall contact the COR no later than 3
weeks prior to each scheduled test to coordinate a final work schedule.
The COR will inform the Contractor of the specific runways requiring
testing, as needs may be adjusted based on operational tempo.
• Response Time: The Contractor shall respond to all communications
from the COR within 72 hours.
• Rescheduling: A minimum of 72 hours notice is required from either the
Contracting Officer Representative or the Contractor to cancel or
reschedule a testing event at no additional cost.
2.4. INSPECTION AND FRICTION TESTING PROCEDURES
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A standard test event consists of performing friction measurements on all
runways designated by the COR.
• Test Speeds: Each numbered runway shall be tested with the CFME at
both 40 mph and 60 mph, in both directions.
• Test Paths: 40 mph tests shall be conducted 10 feet (3 m) to the right of
the runway centerline. 60 mph tests shall be conducted 20 feet (6 m) to
the right of the runway centerline.
• Oversight: The Contractor will be escorted by the COR or another
designated government representative during all testing operations on
the airfield.
• Retesting shall be performed within 14 business days.
2.5. RETESTING
Retesting of a runway shall be required under the following conditions:
• If test results are inconsistent with a visual inspection or cannot be
technically explained.
• If significant anomalies are noted during initial testing.
• If CFME equipment deficiencies are experienced at the time of testing.
Retesting shall be performed immediately, if possible, or scheduled
within 14 business days of the original test date at no additional cost to
the government.
2.6. FINAL REPORTS
• Format: The Contractor shall provide a sample report format to the
government for acceptance prior to the contract start date. This format
shall be used for the life of the contract unless a change is mutually
agreed upon.
• Content: Reports shall be comprehensive and include, at a minimum:
Interpretation of results and clear recommendations on whether
rubber removal is necessary.
Tabulated Mu values, presented in both bar and graph formats.
Notes on any anomalies observed and their probable cause.
A copy of the current CFME calibration certificate.
A section identifying runways not tested and the reason why.
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• Submission: A final report for each test event shall be submitted via e-
mail to the COR within 7 calendar days of completing the physical tests.
• Review and Invoicing: The government will review and provide acceptance
or rejection of the report within 5 business days. Rejected reports must
be corrected and resubmitted within 5 business days. The Contractor is
authorized to submit an invoice only after receiving notification of an
accepted report.
2.7. MOBILIZATION
Mobilization pricing incidental to the performance of testing services includes
all transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for travel to the
performance locations. Only one mobilization charge is authorized per testing
event.
3.0 SAFETY, …
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.