J -- Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Maintenance Services

The Air Combat Command plans to release a Request for Proposals for operational-level maintenance services of the Predator MQ-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, as well as various deployed locations worldwide. The contract will be awarded using a best value approach under Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15, with a combination of fixed price and cost-reimbursable line items. The anticipated contract period starts in March 2007 and extends for four and a half years, with an estimated award date of December 15, 2006. The effort will require the contractor to provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and materials to support organizational maintenance for the aircraft, ground control stations, and satellite links, adhering to Air Force technical and quality standards. Key responsibilities include program management, maintenance scheduling, quality assurance, weapons loading certification, and inventory control. The main performance location is Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, with potential work at an additional continental U.S. site and various global deployment areas. Security clearances for the facility and employees will be required. The solicitation is unrestricted, open to all qualified sources, and falls under NAICS code 488190, which has a small business size standard of $6.5 million. The contracting officer listed is Carla A Rice, and the solicitation will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website.