What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking contractors to provide aircraft displays and demonstrations for the Offutt Air Force Base "Defenders of Freedom" Air and Space Show scheduled for August 8-9, 2026. This opportunity is open to all businesses, as there is no set-aside for small businesses. Interested parties should note that this is a Sources Sought notice, indicating the government is gathering information rather than soliciting bids at this stage. Contractors will need to meet FAA guidelines and provide specific aircraft types, along with necessary personnel and equipment for the event.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Offutt Air Force Base
“Defenders of Freedom” Air and Space Show (The Organizer)
1.) Purpose: The purpose of this agreement is to outline the responsibilities and major actions of the open
house promoter to provide aircraft display and/or demonstrations at the Offutt Air Force Base “Defenders of
Freedom” Air and Space Show on or about August 8-9 2026.
2.) General:
A. SCOPE: This agreement provides guidance and documents agreement on aspects for general support of
demonstrations at the Offutt Air Force Base “Defenders of Freedom” Air and Space Show. Actions and agreements
herein apply only to the participating parties and are not intended to supersede existing regulations or agreements.
B. Requirements:
I. Performers meet all FAA guidelines and certification requirements for all participating airshow aircraft and
aircrew.
II. Aircraft paint scheme complies with Approved Warbird guidance outlined within AFI 10-1004.
III. Contractors will provide up to eight (8) aircraft for display/flying/pyrotechnic/narration performance:
1) Zero fighters
2) Kate Torpedo Bombers
3) Val Dive Bombers
4) Bomb Squad
5) Narrator/Announcer
IV. The period of performance is Friday afternoon August 7, 2026 through Sunday afternoon August 9, 2026.
Arrival no later than rehearsal start time at 12:00 PM CST August 7, 2026, is required for check in and set up
for air show. Departing NLT 12:00 PM CST August 10, 2026.
3.) Responsibilities:
A. Airshow Performers:
I. Shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services
necessary to provide display and/or demonstration of the provided aircraft and required pyrotechnic
support.
II. Shall perform within limitations prescribed by Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and any
Federal Aviation Regulation Waiver(s) in effect during the airshow, providing weather, mechanical,
and site conditions permit. If Contractor is on site and ready to perform, they are due 100% of the
performance fee regardless of whether or not any portion of the airshow is flown. If the Contractor
is physically unable to perform for any reason, 100% of any deposit paid to performer will be
returned to the Organizer.
III. Shall fly, as a minimum, one performance per day (10-15 minutes each), including one or two
performances on the day prior to the show. Contractor is the sole discretion who shall determine if
weather conditions allow the conduct of any flight by the Contractor.
IV. Will provide a digital press/media kit (CD-ROM). This includes high resolution images for print and
textual descriptions.
V. Will provide a video in (HD) High Definition, DVD, or Beta (“B” roll for the local TV stations).
VI. Will be available to provide interviews with the media before the show date via phone.
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VII. Will provide interviews with the media during the show.
VIII. Aircraft shall arrive at least one day in advance, on Friday, August 7, 2026 to do local promotions
and media support for the Offutt Air Force Base “Defenders of Freedom” Air and Space Show.
IX. Aircraft may arrive more than one day in advance, at the discretion of the Wing.
X. Shall provide Civil Aircraft Certificate of insurance (DD Form 2400).
XI. Shall provide Civil Aircraft Landing Permit (DD Form 2401) and Civil Aircraft Hold Harmless
Agreement (DD Form 2402) before landing at Offutt AFB.
XII. All forms of media to include social media, websites, and news posts must be coordinated through
Offutt Public Affairs prior to dissemination to ensure the accuracy of information. This includes
any posts that are tagged or linked to Offutt Air Force Base websites and social media accounts.
B. The Organizer:
I. The Contractor will not include a fee for fuel. The Government will provide:
1. Aviation fuel (100LL), as required for the performance, rehearsal and top off following
final performance, not to exceed 1400 gallons.
Fuel will be loaded on and distributed between performer’s aircraft at the discretion of the PIC(s)
of the aircraft. All fueling of performer’s aircraft will be done by, or under the direct supervision
of, performer or his designee.
II. The Organizer shall provide:
1. 80 gallons of Smoke Oil and 20 gallons of 120W Oil
2. Hangar space at Offutt AFB is extremely limited. In the event of adverse weather, every
effort will be made (on a non-interference basis) to ensure aircraft are sheltered with an
understanding that space is limited and there may not be enough space to hangar all
performer aircraft.
a. The Organizer and/or Government are not responsible for any damages caused to
aircraft through natural occurrence of weather during the duration of the event and
cannot guarantee the use of hangar space during such occurrence.
b. Any aircraft requiring hangar space for parking outside of air show performance
times will pass requests through Organizer to coordinate with Government officials.
3. Aircraft security on the parking ramp will be provided during day and night throughout
the duration of the event. Crowd control will be provided by the Government such that
the show aircraft is always protected from spectators while at the show site.
III. The Contractor will not include a fee for lodging. Organizer shall provide up to twenty one (21)
Non-Smoking hotel rooms for respective performer.
IV. The Contractor will not include a fee for ground transportation. The Organizer shall provide
eight (8) automobiles upon arrival with a full tank of gas to transport performer to/from the
hotel, performer parties, briefings, etc. The organizer will also provide 1 gator like vehicle, 1
utility trailor, and 1 pickup truck for the Bomb Squad.
V. The Organizer shall provide (1) meal for each performer on the actual days of the event; August
8-9, 2026.
VI. The organizer will provide an accessible portable restroom for the pyro team.
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.