FMF EC B-HAC Insular Air-Naval Station Hanger Renovation & Facilities Expansion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Latin America and Caribbean District (SAA)

Sources Sought Announcement

FMF EC B-HAC Insular Air-Naval Station Hanger Renovation & Facilities Expansion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Latin America and Caribbean District (SAA)

****SOURCES SOUGHT FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY****

This announcement seeks information from industry which will be used for preliminary planning purposes. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this announcement. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT SHALL BE AWARDED FROM THIS SYNOPSIS. NO SOLICITATION, SPECIFICATIONS OR DRAWINGS ARE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

1. AGENCY: United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Latin America and Caribbean District (SAA)

2. NAICS: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Insular Air-Naval Station (Estación Aeronaval Insular), San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Province, Ecuador.

4. ACQUISITION INFORMATION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Latin America and Caribbean District (SAA), is issuing this Sources Sought announcement to identify qualified, capable, and interested U.S. firms eligible to serve as prime contractors for a potential multi-phase Design-Build construction project at the Insular Air-Naval Station on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador.

The project is funded through Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and is subject to applicable Offshore Procurement (OSP) requirements. The anticipated acquisition will require an eligible U.S. firm to serve as the prime contractor, unless an exception or waiver is separately authorized by the appropriate approval authority.

The results of this market research will inform the Government's acquisition strategy, procurement approach, assessment of U.S. contractor capabilities and interest, and evaluation of applicable OSP requirements. Limited U.S. contractor participation or competition does not, by itself, constitute approval of or establish entitlement to an OSP waiver. Any exception or waiver would require a separate determination and approval in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Design-Build (C-Contract) with a base requirement and option phases.

Estimated Magnitude of Construction: $7million to $9 million

Performance Period: 540 days after Notice to Proceed.

Anticipated Award Date: Fiscal Year 2027 Quarter 3

In accordance with FAR 19.000(b)(1)(ii), the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) has elected not to apply FAR Part 19 (Small Business Programs) to this overseas procurement. Consequently, small business set-asides will not be utilized for this project in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

However, because this project is funded by Foreign Military Financing (FMF), standard statutory constraints require procurement from U.S. sources. All responsible U.S. sources—including both large and small business concerns—are highly encouraged to submit capabilities statements in response to this notice.

The results of this market research will inform the Government's acquisition strategy, procurement approach, assessment of U.S. contractor capabilities and interest, and evaluation of applicable OSP requirements. Limited U.S. contractor participation or competition does not, by itself, constitute approval of or establish entitlement to an OSP waiver. Any exception or waiver would require a separate determination and approval in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Offshore Procurement (OSP): In accordance with Section 42(c) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. § 2791(c)), award is restricted to eligible U.S. firms, as an OSP determination has not been approved. The Government reserves the right to pursue an OSP determination if deemed in its best interest. U.S. prime contractors may utilize qualified local subcontractors, subject to applicable FMF and procurement requirements.

5. ANTICIPATED ACQUISITION STRATEGY:

The final acquisition strategy will be determined based on the responses received from this Sources Sought notice, contractor availability, and stakeholder coordination. The Government is contemplating the following acquisition approaches:

• Primary Approach (Best Value Trade-Off (BVTO) Design-Build C-Contract with Options): Award a single Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Design-Build construction contract through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP), utilizing a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection approach, with options subject to funding availability.
• Base Requirement (Phases 1 & 2):
• Phase 1 – Hangar Renovation: Renovation and modernization of the existing aviation hangar to support Bell 430 rescue helicopters and Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft.
• Phase 2 – Fuel Farm: Design and construction of a new fuel farm using a Design-Build-to-Budget (DB2B) approach, including demolition of the existing fuel facility.

Option Package (Phase 3):

• Phase 3 – New Hangar: Design and construction of a new aviation hangar to support King Air 350 aircraft, exercisable based on funding availability and operational priorities.
• Offshore Procurement (OSP) Strategy Determination:
  • U.S. Contractor Only Competition: If market research demonstrates sufficient interest and capability from responsible U.S. contractors capable of executing works in the Galapagos Islands, the solicitation may be restricted to U.S. firms in compliance with standard FMF guidelines.
  • OSP Waiver / Unrestricted Competition: If responses indicate limited U.S. industry interest, severe logistical/cost premiums, or inadequate competition, USACE will utilize the findings of this market research to justify and process an FMF Offshore Procurement Waiver to allow foreign/host-nation firms to compete.

6. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The contemplated scope consists of complete Design-Build to Budget (DB2B) services to include civil, geotechnical, structural, architectural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), specialized fire suppression, aircraft maintenance utility integration, fuel containment/dispensing, demolition, and environmental protection compliant with both U.S. engineering standards (Unified Facilities Criteria - UFC) and host-nation Galapagos environmental regulations.

The project is divided into three distinct phases of development. The Government has developed preliminary design documents to support the proposed requirements, which will serve as the basis for the contemplated Design-Build acquisition. The selected Design-Build contractor is anticipated to be responsible for completing the design and performing construction in accordance with the final contract requirements.

Project Phase

Phase 1 (Base)

• Primary Function/Facility: Existing Hangar Renovation (Supporting Bell 430 Rescue Helicopter & King Air 350)
• Key Technical Considerations: Design/Build (30%) documents for Renovation to the existing hanger for the Bell 430 rescue helicopter and King Air 350.

Phase 2 (Base)

• Primary Function/Facility: New Aviation Fuel Farm & Legacy Demolition
• Key Technical Considerations: Design/Build (65%) documents for a new Fuel Farm and demo of the existing fuel farm

Phase 3 (Option)

• Primary Function/Facility: New Aircraft Hangar (Supporting King Air SKA 350)
• Key Technical Considerations: Design/Build (65%) documents for a new Hangar for a new King Air SKA 3350

7. SOURCES SOUGHT: The purpose of this source sought is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of contractors who have the capabilities to complete and perform contracts of this magnitude, and to address any questions, recommendations or concerns from Industry. The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among potential pool of responsible contractors. Prior Government contract work is not required for submitting a response under this Sources Sought announcement. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement.

8. RESPONSES: The Capabilities Statement for this Sources Sought is not intended to be a Request for Proposal nor Invitation for Bid, nor does it restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. It is to request statements regarding the company's ability to demonstrate existing-or-developed expertise and experience in relation to the areas specified herein. Any commercial brochures or currently existing marketing material may also be submitted. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is neither to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

Interested parties are requested to provide a capabilities statement addressing the following areas.

Section 1: Company Information

• Company Name, Address, and Website
• Point of Contact (Name, Title, Phone, Email)
• CAGE Code and SAM UEI Number
• Business Size and Status (e.g., Small Business, Large Business)
• Bonding: What bonding or guarantee methods are available to your company to secure contract performance and protect downstream subcontractor/labor payments for a project located in Ecuador? Please specify if your company utilizes US Treasury-listed Surety Bonds, Ecuadorian Bank Letters of Guarantee (Carta Fianza), or Insurance-backed Guarantees (Póliza de Caución).  
• Relevant NAICS Codes
• Is your company a U.S.-based firm interested in participating as the prime contractor for this project? (Yes/No)

Section 2: Interest and Experience in Ecuador

• Please confirm your company's interest in performing a design-build construction project of this magnitude and complexity in Galapagos Province, Ecuador or similar remote area.
• Summary of prior construction experience in Ecuador or South America. Address our minimum operational needs of experience with:
  • Ecuadorian construction standards (Código Ecuatoriano de la Construcción), professional licensing requirements (Colegio de Ingenieros del Ecuador / Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador);
  • Local labor laws, and tax/customs processes (SENAE and SRI).
• Describe your firm's capability to obtain the necessary permits and licenses required for construction work in Ecuador and to comply with all applicable host nation laws and regulations.
• Discuss your firm's experience with international logistics, including the transportation of materials and equipment to project sites in South America.
• Discuss your firm’s familiarity with base security clearance procedures, host-nation military vetting, and port access protocols.

Section 3: Design-Build Qualifications and Technical Capabilities

Interested firms are requested to provide information demonstrating their qualifications, relevant experience, and technical capabilities to execute the proposed multi-phase Design-Build (D-B) construction project.

3.1 Design-Build Qualifications and Relevant Experience

• Provide a brief overview of your firm's Design-Build experience as a prime contractor.
• Describe your firm's proposed D-B delivery approach, including the use of in-house design capabilities, joint ventures, or partnerships with qualified U.S., Ecuadorian, or international Architect-Engineer (A-E) firms.
• Provide up to three (3) examples of relevant Design-Build construction projects completed within the past five (5) years. For each project, identify the project name, location, contract value, year completed, scope of work, and your firm's role as prime contractor, joint venture partner, or subcontractor.
• Projects involving aviation facilities, aircraft hangars, warehouses, logistics facilities, military installations, fuel systems, or construction in remote locations are particularly relevant.

3.2 Specialized Aviation Fuel Facility Experience

• Describe your firm's experience designing, constructing, renovating, or upgrading aviation fuel storage and distribution facilities, including:
  • Fuel storage tanks, pumping and transfer systems, and associated piping.
  • Secondary containment, spill prevention, and environmental protection systems.
  • Compliance with applicable safety and technical standards, specialized testing, and commissioning.
• Identify whether specialized aviation fuel system work would be performed using in-house resources or qualified specialty subcontractors.

3.3 Logistics and Local Execution Capabilities

Provide an overview of your firm's proposed approach to executing construction on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador, addressing the following:

• Material Procurement and Staging: Proposed sourcing, procurement, and staging of construction materials and specialized equipment in Guayaquil, Ecuador, or other suitable locations.
• Maritime Transportation and Port Operations: Proposed shipping routes, port-of-entry operations, and cargo handling at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island, or other suitable locations, subject to applicable host-nation, port, military installation, and security requirements.
• On-Island Transportation: Approach for transporting heavy construction materials and equipment from the port to the project site.
• Local Workforce and Subcontracting: Availability of qualified local subcontractors, specialty trades, and skilled labor, including anticipated use of U.S. and local resources.
• Environmental and Biosecurity Requirements: Experience addressing environmental restrictions, permitting, customs, and biosecurity requirements associated with construction in remote or environmentally sensitive locations.
• Logistical Challenges and Risk Mitigation: Identify anticipated logistical challenges and proposed strategies to minimize cost, schedule, and execution risks.

Section 4: Market Research and Acquisition Considerations

The Government seeks industry feedback to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed requirements, anticipated construction costs, performance period, acquisition strategy, and potential barriers to U.S. contractor participation.

4.1 Construction Cost and Market Conditions

• Based on your firm's experience, is the estimated construction magnitude of $7.181 million reasonable for the proposed scope and location? If not, explain the anticipated cost differences.
• What major cost drivers or premiums would you anticipate for construction in the Galápagos Islands, including shipping, equipment mobilization, labor, materials, and specialized subcontractors?
• Identify significant market conditions, such as local labor availability, supply chain limitations, and subcontractor capacity in Ecuador, that may affect project execution.

4.2 Schedule Feasibility and Execution Risks

• Is the proposed 540-calendar-day period of performance achievable for the base contract requirements, considering design, procurement, permitting, mobilization, construction, testing, and commissioning?
• What significant technical, logistical, environmental, or regulatory risks could affect successful project execution?
• What schedule adjustments or risk mitigation measures would you recommend improving project feasibility?

4.3 Offshore Procurement (OSP) and U.S. Contractor Participation

• Considering applicable Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Offshore Procurement (OSP) requirements, what challenges could affect your firm's ability to compete and execute the project as a U.S. prime contractor?
• Describe anticipated reliance on U.S. versus non-U.S. materials, equipment, labor, and subcontractors, and identify any significant cost or logistical implications.
• What contracting arrangements, supply chain strategies, or industry partnerships would your firm consider supporting compliance with applicable OSP requirements?

Responses will support the Government's market research and assessment of applicable procurement requirements. Any OSP exception or waiver would require a separate determination and approval by the appropriate authority.

4.4 Acquisition Strategy and Industry Interest

• What adjustments to the proposed acquisition strategy, project scope, phasing, or schedule would increase your firm's likelihood of submitting a proposal?
• Would your firm be interested in competing for a single Design-Build contract with a base requirement and additional optional phases?
• Would your firm be interested in participating in a virtual industry day to discuss the proposed requirements, project location, and anticipated acquisition strategy?

9. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Format: Responses may be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format (suggested length: 3–6 pages). Brochures do not count towards this page count.
• Submission Deadline: Please submit your responses by 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST) on 12 November 2026. No hard copies will be accepted.
• Submission Point of Contact: Please email responses directly to:
  • Renee Booth, Contracting Officer: contact@example.gov
  • Jaclyn Yocum, Contract Specialist: contact@example.gov
• Subject Line for Replies: Market Research Response: Insular Air-Naval Station Hanger Renovation & Facilities Expansion, Galapagos Province, Ecuador
   - [Insert Company Name]

10. QUESTIONS: Questions regarding this Sources Sought Announcement may be directed to Contract Specialist, Jaclyn Yocum, at contact@example.gov  AND Contracting Officer, Renee Booth, at contact@example.gov.

****SOURCES SOUGHT FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY****