Beechcraft King Air B360 aircraft - Intent to Sole Source

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intends to award a sole source contract to Textron Aviation for the purchase of one new Beechcraft King Air B360 aircraft. The DEA requires an aircraft with specific features, including a minimum seating capacity of two crew members and eight passengers, a cargo door opening of at least 50 x 50 inches, a pressurized cabin, and a weight capacity of no less than 500 lbs. The aircraft will be used for mission-critical flight capabilities, including conditions of high ambient temperature and humidity, and must have a high temperature/high altitude and long endurance performance capability. The contract will be a firm-fixed price contract, and the acquisition will be conducted through FAR Parts 12 and 15. The NAICS code for this requirement is 336411, and the business size standard is 1,500 employees. • The aircraft must be a twin-engine turbine powered aircraft to provide a greater margin of safety during extended over-water flights. • The DEA's current fleet of aircraft is made up of 96.4 percent Textron products, and introducing a new airframe would negatively impact operational readiness and result in increased incidental costs. • The DEA has invested more than $20 million in spare parts, engines, and components that support Textron platforms, reducing long-term lifecycle costs and ensuring continued operational capabilities. • The contract will be awarded to Textron Aviation, as they are the original and exclusive manufacturer of the King Air model B300 aircraft. • The acquisition is expected to be completed by 09/30/2030.