The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a market research notice seeking potential providers of a leasehold interest in a large-scale aviation hangar and mission support facility in the Richmond, Va., metropolitan area. The “Sources Sought” document, released on Monday, is intended to gauge industry capability and does not constitute a solicitation or contract award.
Key parameters of the requirement
The agency estimates the need for roughly 80,000 square feet of secure hangar
space capable of housing two Boeing 757‑200
jets and two Gulfstream G550
business aircraft simultaneously. Minimum technical specifications include:
Clear height: at least 46 feet.
Door opening: minimum 135 feet wide.
Floor loading: reinforced flooring able to
support a maximum taxi weight of 256,000 lb
or greater.
Operational access: direct, unrestricted
connection to an active taxiway and a runway of at least 9,000 feet in length, with 24 / 7 / 365
access for both aircraft movements and air‑traffic control services.
The notice clarifies that the facility may be located on‑airport
or on airport‑adjacent property, but the exact site is not identified. The FBI
states that the requirements are “mission-driven” and do not reference any
specific airport or operator.
Over recent months, aircraft operated by the U.S. Department
of Justice have been observed landing at Richmond International Airport with a
frequency that exceeds typical operational patterns. While the specific purpose
of each flight remains classified for security reasons, the uptick has drawn
attention from plane‑spotting hobbyists.
FBI contract documents dated July 2025 clearly state the agency maintains a dedicated
Manassas Aviation Operations Hangar at Manassas Regional Airport, located
roughly 70-75 miles northwest of Richmond.
Development options under consideration
Respondents may propose one of three approaches:
- Existing hangars that already meet the criteria or could be modified at a reasonable cost.
- Modified facilities where upgrades would bring an existing structure into compliance.
- New construction or build-to-suit projects provided the bidder can secure the necessary property rights, development authority, and airport approvals.
Submission deadline and contact
Companies interested in responding to the request must do so
no later than March 31.
Implications for the aviation and construction sectors
If the FBI proceeds to a formal acquisition, the project
could generate significant demand for specialized construction services,
engineering expertise, and airport-adjacent real‑estate development in the Mid-Atlantic
region.
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