Request for Information (RFI)- Aerostat Envelope

The Department of Homeland Security, through the Air and Marine Contracting Division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has issued a Sources Sought and Request for Information notice to conduct market research for the potential future acquisition of Class IV 275K Aerostat Envelopes, specifically part number 275-10001-04. These aerostats are critical components of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System, designed to provide wide-area persistent long-range radar and electro-optical/infrared surveillance for detecting and tracking low-altitude aircraft and suspicious traffic. The required specifications for the 275K model include a volume of 275,000 cubic feet, a maximum payload capacity of 1,200 pounds, an operational altitude of approximately 10,000 feet, and an air search range of roughly 200 miles. This RFI is intended solely for planning and market research purposes and does not constitute a formal Request for Proposal or a commitment to award a contract. Interested vendors must provide a comprehensive submission including a vendor profile, business size status verifiable in SAM.gov, and detailed information regarding manufacturing capabilities, prior experience with similar aerostats, production lead times, and unit pricing. Responses must be submitted via email to the contract specialist by August 28, 2026, and must not exceed five pages. All proprietary information must be clearly marked and accompanied by a release statement allowing distribution to authorized government personnel and support contractors.