CBP to Release $100M Aerospace Engineering Contract for AMO Support

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is gearing up to award a contract valued at over $100 million to enhance its Air and Marine Operations (AMO) fleet through comprehensive aerospace engineering and technical support. This significant procurement action reflects CBP's commitment to modernizing its aviation assets and improving its surveillance capabilities to counter threats across U.S. borders.

Scheduled for a solicitation launch around July 17, 2026, the contract signifies an essential part of enhancing the operational readiness of CBP's aircraft, which include various systems fundamental for border security and law enforcement missions. The award is projected for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, with contract performance extending through September 2031. This long-term engagement will provide stability and growth opportunities for contractors, particularly those positioned within the HUBZone small business network.

CBP's approach entails utilizing the General Services Administration’s (GSA) OASIS+ vehicle to streamline the acquisition process. This not only ensures compliance with federal small business participation goals but also allows for competitive bidding among specialized small contractors in the aerospace sector. For companies eligible in the HUBZone program, this contract represents a substantial opportunity to showcase their capabilities and contribute to national security initiatives.

The contractor selected will support a range of engineering and technical services necessary for maintaining and modernizing AMO's aviation capabilities. This work includes assessing airworthiness, optimizing sensor performance, and addressing command and control systems across various aircraft utilized by AMO. Furthermore, the contractor will be responsible for defining operational requirements and documenting the technical specifications required for both current and future aviation assets.

This procurement is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enhance operational efficiencies and capabilities across its largest agencies, bolstered by a 65% increase in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Significant investments are being directed towards modernizing technologies related to artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber defense, which align with the growing emphasis on enhancing homeland security operations. The procurement also relates to ongoing efforts by CBP to establish a Lifecycle Maintenance and Sustainment Working Group, indicative of a proactive approach towards sustaining their critical aviation assets effectively.

Overall, this upcoming procurement presents a vital opportunity for small contractors in the aerospace sector to engage with the federal government, support essential homeland security missions, and ultimately contribute to maintaining the effectiveness of CBP's operations as it faces increasing operational demands in a rapidly changing threat landscape.

• The planned contract exceeds $100 million, focusing on engineering and technical support for AMO aircraft.
• Expected solicitation release is on July 17, 2026, with awards in Q4 of FY 2026.
• Procurement is a HUBZone small business set-aside, opening doors for eligible firms.
• Contract will utilize the GSA OASIS+ vehicle to streamline the acquisition process.
• The contractor will address airworthiness, sensor performance, and operational requirements for aviation assets through September 2031.
• This contract is part of DHS's broader budget increase aimed at modernizing operational capabilities and advancing AI and cyber defense technologies.
• Firms should prepare engagement strategies and consider capabilities in aviation modernization and sustainment.
• Contractors are encouraged to participate actively in this competitive procurement to enhance national security initiatives.