US military building large maintenance hangar in El Salvador

The U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, announced Wednesday that it is seeking bids from qualified contractors to design and build a new aircraft‑maintenance hangar at the U.S. Cooperative Security Location (CSL) in Comalapa, El Salvador.

The solicitation, issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) under an unrestricted, best-value source selection process, calls for a single-bay structure covering approximately 2,800 square meters.

The hangar is intended to accommodate either a Lockheed C-130 Hercules or a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, providing space for routine upkeep, repairs, and inspections. In addition to the primary aircraft bay, the project includes administrative offices, dedicated storage areas for materials and tools, and an expanded parking apron to accommodate aircraft awaiting service.

The contract award is expected to occur shortly after the May 6 deadline for receipt of proposals at the U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile headquarters in Mobile, Ala.

The Comalapa facility is one of two U.S. CSLs in the Latin America and Caribbean region – the other is in Honduras. Formerly known as Forward Operating Locations, CSLs enable U.S. and partner‑nation aircraft to operate from existing airfields without establishing permanent bases.

According to U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the CSLs, the Comalapa site supports multinational efforts to combat transnational organized crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking. U.S. Navy personnel manage day‑to‑day operations at the site, while detection and monitoring aircraft conduct surveillance missions to track suspect aircraft and vessels.