The Department of Defense is seeking contractors to provide aerial demonstrations and static displays of specific vintage aircraft at the Arctic Thunder Open House Air Show scheduled for August 7-9, 2026, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK. This opportunity is open to all businesses, as there is no set-aside for small businesses. Interested contractors should note that this is a sources sought notice, indicating the government is gathering information rather than soliciting bids at this time, which means tracking developments will be essential for future bidding opportunities.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
ARCTIC THUNDER OPEN HOUSE PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT
Aerial Demonstration
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK 99506 Dated 7 April 2026
BACKGROUND: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is hosting a large Air Show as an outreach to the local community and Alaskan population at large. This Air Show will require multiple events from 7-9 August 2026.
SCOPE:
The Contractor will enable an aerial demonstration and statics of the below aircraft at the 2026 Air Show (Arctic Thunder Open House 2026):
1952 Harvard IV (T-6G)
1942 AT-6D Texan
1942 Consolidated BT-13
1946 L-13 Dragon Fly
The government will provide logistic support with the following logistics:
1 fuel truck with 1100LL
3 permanent anchors for each aircraft.
Hangar space for all aircraft in the event of inclement weather
1.4 Contractor will provide all ropes, chocks, and straps needed to secure the aircraft.
LOCATION: The project site is located at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK 99506.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Base period is 7-9 August 2026.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The work to be accomplished under the direction/control of the Air Boss, for the Air Show.
The attending aircraft will arrive at JB Elmendorf-Richardson no later than Thursday 6 August 2026.
At the direction of the Air Boss, the pilots will participate in the daily safety briefing and flying schedule on the practice day (7 August 2026), and both air show days (8 August 2026-9 August 2026).
At a time and place to be determined by the Air Boss, the pilot(s) will participate in a daily “hot wash”/lessons learned in preparation for the next day’s Air Show.
4.4. Pilot will follow guidance in accordance with AF Manual 10-1004.
QUALIFICATIONS & INSURANCE:
Provide FAA formation certification card evidence for any aviator participating.
The contractor shall be responsible for insurance and liability of their personnel in support of the Air Show.
SECURITY AND INSTALLATION ACCESS: N/A. All contractors will be escorted during planning, setup, and teardown.
PERMITS: FAA Commercial Rating.
GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) & SERVICES:
General: The Government will provide access to the airfield.
Lodging: The Government will not provide any lodging. The contractor is responsible for securing all rooms for their employees. The contractor will be responsible for any sundries consumed. The cost of lodging needs to be included in the quote by the Contractor (not to exceed 5 nights).
Meals: The Government will not provide food for contracted employees.
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.
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