Aviation-Grade American Flag with Rigging and Hardware

The Department of the Navy is procuring two custom-manufactured, aviation-grade United States flags measuring 130 feet by 216 feet for aerial display during the International Aerial Review on July 4, 2026, in New York City, commemorating the Nation’s 250th anniversary. These flags, each exceeding 28,000 square feet and weighing under 400 pounds, must be constructed from proprietary high-tensile, tear-resistant fabric capable of withstanding extreme dynamic loads at speeds exceeding 60 knots while being towed behind a U.S. Marine Corps MH-53 helicopter. The contract includes engineering-grade rigging and attachment hardware specifically designed for MH-53 compatibility to prevent rotor entanglement and ensure mission-critical flight safety. A 45-day production timeline is mandatory from contract award to ensure timely delivery, flight testing, and certification prior to the fixed event date, with remote technical engineering support required during the Marine Corps In-Flight Review. The solicitation is structured as a sole-source procurement under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), justified by the Flag Center’s unique capabilities, including proprietary manufacturing processes, specialized tooling, and exclusive material stockpiles that no other vendor can match. The procurement is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 314999, with no competitive bidding allowed due to the extreme technical, safety, and schedule constraints. All delivery and performance are targeted for New York City, with manufacturing likely occurring at the contractor’s facility in Memphis, Tennessee, and the contracting office located at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Virginia. While the estimated contract value is unspecified, no formal clause language, packaging standards, inspection protocols, or invoicing details are provided in the documentation, indicating oversight of administrative logistics in favor of focus on mission-critical technical performance. The offeror must affirm the accuracy of submissions and adhere to contractor ethics requirements under FAR 52.203-13, though no formal size certification or socioeconomic status declarations are included in the provided materials.