145th AW - RFI/Sources Sought Powered Paragliding (PPG) Flight and Sustainment System

This is a sources sought announcement; a market survey for information only to be used for preliminary planning purposes.  The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential sources for this project including interested small business sources.  This notice is for planning purposes only.  No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice or any follow up information requests.  All interested parties should respond.

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION ANOUNCEMENT.

The 145th Contracting Office intends to issue a solicitation and award a firm-fixed price contract to purchase a Powered Paragliding Flight and Sustainment System if funding becomes available.

Powered Paragliding (PPG) Flight and Sustainment System

This Individual Aerial Mobility capability addresses an urgent operational shortfall by providing AFSPECWAR units a scalable, low-cost, and mission-flexible powered flight platform that enhances survivability and effectiveness in both combat and disaster response scenarios. For Air National Guard (ANG) state missions where traditional air assets are limited and roadways are impassable, a paramotor-equipped team can insert with essential payloads to establish communications, conduct independent aerial assessments, and perform life-saving operations without relying on conventional air or ground transport.

Requirements

Basic Flight Operations Training Course: Must cover basic to advanced operations (PPG 1 and 2 standards), heavy payloads, cross-country, and STOL as defined in salient characteristics.

1 Course (for 2 Students)

Maintenance Technician Training Course: Must certify personnel to perform organizational-level maintenance and repair on the provided flight system.

1 Course (for 2 Students)

Rucksack/Backpack Powered Flight System: Must meet all salient characteristics for payload, engine output, reserve parachute, and water flotation defined in the requirements.

 2 Units
Sustainment and Spare Parts Package: Must support a minimum of 150 flight hours or 1 year of operational use per flight system.

2 Packages

• Payload Capacity: Must be capable of securely integrating, carrying, and deploying a minimum payload of 80 lbs.
• Power Unit: System must provide power output equivalent to or greater than a 185cc engine, optimized for high-altitude operations with an elevated climb rate. Must include a right-hand throttle configuration. Propeller must be approximately 140cm (or sized appropriately to meet the high-altitude climb requirement).
• Harness & Safety: Harness must be adjustable (minimum size Large) and include integrated spine protection (e.g., airbag system).
• Instrumentation: Must include hour and RPM tracking, and an engine temperature gauge. Throttle must feature a cruise control or lock mechanism.
• Fuel System: Must be equipped with an extended-capacity fuel tank sufficient to support cross-country flight ranges (30-100 miles).
• Reserve System: Must include a steerable reserve parachute rated for a minimum of 170kg (tandem/heavy payload capacity), housed in a side-mounted deployment container.
• Water Safety: Must feature an integrated water flotation device with automatic deployment capability upon water contact.
• Sustainment: Must include a comprehensive spare parts and sustainment package designed to support a minimum of 150 flight hours or one (1) year of operational use.
• Flight Training: Powered Paragliding (PPG) training for two (2) personnel (approximately 21 days). Curriculum must cover:
  • Basic flight operations (minimum PPG 1 & 2 standards).
  • Heavy payload flights (up to 80 lbs) using the provided rucksack system.
  • Cross-country flight and navigation (30-100 mile range).
  • Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) techniques.
• Maintenance Training: Maintenance Technician Training for two (2) personnel (approximately 10 days). Must certify personnel to perform organizational-level maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on the specific flight system and engine provided.

All interested concerns will provide this office, in writing, the following information no later than Wednesday 10 June 2026, 3:00 pm EST.  This information must include the following:

(1) Completed and signed Source Sought Information Request Form;

In the event a sufficient number of small business contractors are not available for adequate competition for this project, it may be advertised as unrestricted.  Information shall be provided via email to: and MSgt Sarah Marshall at Sarah.marshall.6@us.af.mil AND Capt Scott Thomas at Scott.Thomas.53@us.af.mil.  Include the following in the subject line: Sources Sought W50S87-26-Q-5002. Facsimile responses will NOT be honored.