P-51D Aircraft for Aerial Demonstration and Static Display

The 55th Contracting Squadron of the Department of the Air Force has issued a sources sought notice to identify potential providers of a P-51D Gunfighter aircraft for the 2026 Offutt Air Force Base "Defenders of Freedom" Air and Space Show. The performance period is scheduled for August 8 and August 9, 2026, in St. Columbans, Nebraska. Requirements include a 10-15 minute aerial demonstration on each show date, with the aircraft serving as a static display and the crew engaging with spectators when not in flight. The government requires the aircraft to feature a paint scheme reflecting the colors of the 55th Fighter Wing during World War II in accordance with AFMAN 10-1004, paragraph 4.2.4.

This market research follows a previous sole source award to Commemorative Air Force (CAGE: 06JG4), the only vendor identified as capable of meeting the requirements for the 2024 show. This opportunity is tracked under solicitation number FA4600_P51_Gufighter_FY26 and is classified under NAICS 711320, Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities, and PSC G003, Social-Recreational. There is currently no set-aside designated for this requirement.

Interested entities must submit their capability statements to the point of contact, Tyler Imhoff, by the response deadline of March 12, 2026. One attachment, a Statement of Work dated March 3, 2026, was included with the notice published on March 5, 2026. Organizations capable of providing the specified aircraft and paint scheme are instructed to notify the contracting office via email.