The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) requires air charter services to support the U.S. Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center Detachment Arctic Submarine Laboratory during ICEX 2026 Operation Ice Camp. These services are critical to enabling safe and effective operations in the Arctic Ocean environment, including the establishment and sustainment of a drifting ice camp approximately 100 to 225 nautical miles from Deadhorse, Alaska. The contractor shall provide fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft capable of operating in extreme Arctic conditions. The scope of the requirement includes, but is not limited to:
- Pioneering Landings: Conduct initial landings on drifting sea ice to identify and prepare a suitable location for the ice camp. Aircraft must be ski-wheel equipped and capable of operating without a groomed runway.
- Personnel and Cargo Transport: Provide rear-loading fixed-wing aircraft for the transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from the ice camp. Aircraft must have sufficient payload capacity and be capable of operating on compacted snow or ice runways.
- Rotary-Wing Operations: Provide helicopter services for personnel transport, sling load operations, emergency medical evacuations, and recovery of exercise equipment. Helicopters must be capable of operating in Arctic conditions and refueling at the ice camp.
- Sustainment Operations: Support the ice camp throughout the period of performance, including routine flights for resupply, personnel rotation, and contingency operations.
The contractor shall ensure all aircraft are equipped with GPS, navigation, and communication systems suitable for Arctic operations. All flights will originate from Deadhorse, Alaska (ICAO: PASC, IATA: SCC), and the contractor is responsible for procuring fuel for their aircraft.
The projected period of performance is from 19 February 2026 to 25 March 2026, with specific service periods and flight hour requirements for each aircraft type outlined in the PWS. The contractor must provide experienced pilots with expertise in Arctic operations, including landing on drifting sea ice.
