In accordance with the FAA Order 5100.38D, “Airport Improvement Program ( AIP) Handbook” and Advisory Circular (AC)s 150/5100-14E (Architectural, Engineering, and Planning Consultant Services for Airport Grant Projects), AC 150/5020-1 (Noise Control and Compatibility Planning), and 150/5000-9B (Guidelines for Sound Insulation of Structures Exposed to Aircraft Noise), and Dane County policies and procedures, Dane County is seeking Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified firms to provide Consultant Services to Develop, Conduct, and Manage the Sound Insulation Program (SIP), located at Dane County Regional Airport (MSN). The request for professional consultant services will be performed under a negotiated professional services agreement. The contract term will be up to a five-year period, with an agreement in-place for each year of the program.
Interested respondents should have demonstrated experience in conducting and managing a Sound Insulation Program (SIP) in conformance with AC 150/5020-1 (Noise Control and Compatibility Planning) and FAA AC 150/5000-9B (Guidelines for Sound Insulation of Structures Exposed to Aircraft Noise)1, [including but not limited to], conducting community outreach surveys, conducting property surveys, and acoustical testing of properties, developing design-bid packages, coordinating and managing avigation easements, and showing capacity to manage the program of similar scope and complexity from development to implementation in compliance with federal (i.e., FAA), state, and local standards, including the development of program materials supportive of the respective program. A pre-proposal site meeting will not be provided for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
1FAA AC 150/5000-9B is intended for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport operators, airport sponsors, and airport consultants or contractors to develop and manage sound insulation programs (SIPs) established to mitigate noise impacts to structures exposed to aircraft noise around airports.
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) initiated a voluntary 14 CFR Part 150 Noise Study and Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) in 2022 to address changes in airport operating conditions since the original 1993 NCP, including the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s transition from F‑16C to F‑35A aircraft at Truax Field. In 2025, airport administration withdrew the 2024 NCP submittal to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to update and reevaluate proposed mitigation measures and incorporate additional stakeholder review, public comment, and community feedback. A key mitigation measure identified for reevaluation was the Sound Insulation Program (SIP), now included in this RFQ.
Under 14 CFR Part 150, noise compatibility guidelines define allowable land uses based on their sensitivity to aircraft noise. A Day–Night Average Sound Level (DNL) of 75dB (or higher) is considered incompatible for residences, schools, hospitals, and churches, while a DNL of 65dB renders these land uses compatible only, if they are sound‑insulated. FAA generally considers land uses below DNL 65dB compatible without mitigation.
As part of the Part 150 process, MSN updated its Noise Exposure Map (NEM), covering the period 2022 through 2027. The FAA accepted the updated NEM in December 2023. Based on the 2027 noise contours, approximately 1,250 residential units, one place of worship, one daycare facility, one transient lodging facility, and one educational facility fall within the future 65dB DNL contour. The map below reflects contour boundaries for 65dB, 70dB, and 75dB.
MSN received the FAA Record of Approval (ROA) for the NCP on July 10, 2026, including approval of the SIP as a Land Use (LU) mitigation measure. The ROA notes that periodic NEM updates will be required to reflect evolving airport conditions, which may affect SIP eligibility determinations over time.
Implementation of the SIP is expected to occur over multiple years and is dependent on available FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. Program initiation is anticipated in 2027, beginning with identification of eligible properties and confirmation of eligibility based on FAA criteria, including acoustical testing. This effort will reference a pilot phase conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (WI‑DMA), but will be reevaluated to ensure consistency with FAA eligibility requirements which includes completing the SIP processes, documentation, and completion of preconstruction and postconstruction activities.
Once a limited number of Phase 1 properties are confirmed eligible -- design development, bidding, and contractor selection will follow with construction expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028. After Phase 1 is complete, the selected consultant will continue implementation across remaining eligible properties throughout the five‑year term, subject to FAA grant availability and future FAA‑accepted NEM updates.
The SIP requires that treated homes achieve an interior noise level reduction of at least 5dB and an average interior level below 45dB. Treatment generally includes upgrades to primary living spaces and may consist of:
Window and Door Replacement
Caulking
Weather-Stripping
Installing Central-Air Ventilation (If the structure does not already have a central air ventilation system. Intent is to allow windows can be kept closed)
The selected Firm will be responsible for developing and completing the implementation program, including necessary program materials, and then producing a complete design and bid package, including plans, elevations, sections, details, and specifications for all components to be upgraded as part of the program.
