Introduction

The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has issued a solicitation for charter airlift services in support of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) program, which provides supplemental airlift capability to the Department of Defense (DoD) in times of national emergency or contingency. The solicitation number is HTC71124RCC01 and the estimated value of the contract is $9 billion over a potential six-year period. This article will provide an overview of the CRAF program, the solicitation requirements, the potential bidders, and the challenges they may face in pursuing this opportunity.

Historical Background

The CRAF program was established in 1951, following the Berlin Airlift, as a more orderly way of serving emergency military needs. The program is a voluntary partnership between the DoD, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. civil air carrier industry. Under the program, participating airlines commit a portion of their aircraft to be available for CRAF activation when needed. In return, they receive preference in carrying commercial peacetime cargo and passenger traffic for DoD. The CRAF program has three segments: international, national, and aeromedical evacuation. The international segment, which is the focus of this solicitation, provides long-range and short-range charter airlift services for DoD personnel and cargo worldwide.

The CRAF program has been activated three times in its history: during Operations Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and Operation Allies Refuge in 2021. The current CRAF contract for international charter airlift services was awarded in 2018 to 13 airlines for a total value of $5.7 billion over five years. The contract is set to expire in September 2023, and USTRANSCOM is seeking to award a new contract with a two-year base period and two two-year option periods, plus an optional six-month extension.

RFP Description

The solicitation for the new CRAF contract was released on October 15, 2021, with proposals due by December 15, 2021. The solicitation seeks proposals from qualified U.S. air carriers that are willing to commit aircraft to the CRAF program and provide charter airlift services on an as-needed basis. The solicitation specifies the minimum number of aircraft required for each category of long-range and short-range international charter airlift services, as well as the performance standards, pricing methodology, evaluation criteria, and contract terms and conditions.

The solicitation also includes a self-scoring worksheet that allows bidders to calculate their score based on their proposed aircraft commitment, past performance, technical capability, and price. The self-scoring worksheet is intended to facilitate the evaluation process and encourage competition among bidders. USTRANSCOM intends to award multiple contracts to the highest scoring bidders, subject to availability of funds and other considerations.

Who Should Participate

The solicitation is open to any U.S. air carrier that meets the eligibility requirements for participating in the CRAF program and providing charter airlift services. These requirements include:

  • Having a valid air carrier operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Having a valid economic authority issued by the DOT
  • Having a valid security program approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • Having a valid safety management system approved by the FAA
  • Having sufficient financial resources and insurance coverage
  • Having sufficient aircraft, crew, maintenance, and support capabilities
  • Having relevant experience in providing charter airlift services to DoD or other government agencies

The solicitation also encourages bidders to form teams or joint ventures with other air carriers to increase their aircraft commitment and enhance their competitive position. However, each team or joint venture must designate a lead air carrier that will be responsible for contract administration and performance.

Challenges

Bidders interested in pursuing this opportunity may face several challenges, such as:

  • Meeting the minimum aircraft commitment requirements for each category of charter airlift services
  • Providing accurate and realistic pricing proposals that reflect the market conditions and operational costs
  • Demonstrating relevant past performance and technical capability in providing charter airlift services
  • Complying with the applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards governing charter airlift services
  • Managing the risks and uncertainties associated with CRAF activation and contingency operations

Conclusion

The CRAF program is a vital component of U.S. national security and defense readiness. The new contract for international charter airlift services will provide USTRANSCOM with access to a diverse and flexible fleet of commercial aircraft that can augment military airlift capability in times of crisis or contingency. Bidders who are interested in this opportunity should carefully review the solicitation requirements, prepare compelling proposals that highlight their strengths and value proposition, and submit their proposals by the deadline of December 15, 2021.

GDI Consulting is a leading provider of capture and proposal services to government contractors. We have extensive experience and expertise in helping our clients win CRAF contracts and other federal opportunities. If you need assistance with this solicitation or any other government contracting opportunity, please contact us today at www.gdicwins.com. We are ready to help you achieve your business goals and objectives.