The Jacksonville Aviation Authority issued a request for qualifications Sept. 18 seeking a consulting firm to oversee the extension of Taxiway E at Cecil Airport.
Built in 2015, Taxiway E stretches about 3,000 feet. The planned extension length has not been determined.
The project will support Texas-based Otto Aviation, which will start operations in Hangar 825 and later build a new, 180,000-square-foot facility to produce its Phantom 3500 corporate jet.
Otto is moving its operation to Jacksonville where it plans to make a $430 million capital investment.
The $22.5 million taxiway project is part of a $34.9 million incentive package approved by JAA to bring Otto to Jacksonville.
The package also includes $3.73 million in abatements for Hangar 825, $7.18 million in abatements for the new plant site and $1.5 million in rent credits.
Otto plans to begin flight tests in early 2027 and is targeting certification and entry into service in 2030, according to a June news release.
The selected consulting firm for the extension project will oversee all phases of its development, including environmental, design and construction work.
This includes preparing National Environmental Policy Act documentation and performing impact studies, coordinating permits and ensuring compliance at the federal, state and local levels; preparing budgets, cost estimates and schedules; developing layouts; and supporting construction oversight and documenting completion.
Regular reporting and incorporating feedback from the Federal Aviation Administration, JAA and the public is also required.
According to the request for qualifications, JAA will evaluate proposals based on written qualifications and may invite short-listed firms to present their approaches.
A pre-submission conference and site visit is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at Cecil, and statements of qualifications are due Oct. 21. While JAA reserves the right to make multiple awards, it anticipates a single contract will be awarded.
As of Sept. 22, there are 38 respondents.