The mission, which is scheduled to conduct campaigns from
2027 through 2029, seeks to gather critical data on glacier dynamics in some of
the world’s most challenging environments, including Alaska, the Yukon
Territory, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian High Arctic. To execute these
flights, NASA requires a robust and specialized aerial platform capable of
operating in extreme, remote conditions.
The Platform: The Basler BT-67
NASA has identified the Basler BT-67—a modernized,
turbine-powered version of the Douglas DC-3—as the only aircraft suited for the
technical and environmental rigors of the Snow4Flow mission. According to the
agency’s procurement documentation, the BT-67’s specific performance profile,
endurance, and cargo capacity make it the mandatory choice for transporting the
delicate and heavy instrument suite required to monitor glacial change.
The contract will be a five-year agreement with a six-month
extension option. The work will include the aircraft, crew, and maintenance services,
as well as complex engineering modifications to integrate scientific sensors
into the airframe.
Sole-Source Selection
NASA intends to award the contract to ALCI Aviation Ltd.,
operating as Enterprise Aviation Group, based in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Market research conducted by NASA concluded that while the
Basler BT-67 is the only viable aircraft type for the mission, only two
commercial operators globally possess the necessary configuration for this type
of airborne science. NASA determined that Enterprise Aviation Group is the only
provider with the specific aircraft availability required to meet the rigorous
three-year mission schedule.
Furthermore, NASA noted that the Snow4Flow instrument
package requires extensive pre-flight integration, testing, and airworthiness
certification. Transitioning to a different operator at this stage would
require the government to repeat costly integration efforts and lengthy
airworthiness reviews. Given the narrow seasonal flight windows available for
Arctic research, NASA stated that any delay caused by seeking an alternative
provider would jeopardize the mission’s scientific objectives.
Operational Timeline
The contract’s first task order is already locked into the
project calendar, covering the essential integration phase and the initiation
of the 2027 Alaska Arctic campaign. This window is set to run from February 23,
2027, through March 2, 2027.
The Mission
The Snow4Flow mission represents a significant effort in
climate science, aiming to provide researchers with a clearer picture of how
glaciers react to ongoing environmental shifts. By securing a reliable,
long-term aviation partner, NASA intends to ensure that the data collection
process remains consistent and uninterrupted across the diverse landscapes of
the Arctic and beyond.
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