Foreign Military Sales – Advanced Training on Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA) and Demilitarized Aircraft Capability Assessment

*Industry Day will be held virtually on 18 February at 10AM CST, invites will be sent 11 February to those interested parties that have signed up to attend.*

Title: Request for Information (RFI): Foreign Military Sales – Advanced Training on Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA) and Demilitarized Aircraft Capability Assessment

Sources Sought-Request for Information

Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is the executive agent for all Air Force sponsored international training and education.  The command implements and approves Air Force sponsored security assistance training, monitors the progress of training and the welfare of U.S. Air Force-sponsored international students, and provides guidance for implementation of the DoD Field Studies Program. The Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) is aligned under AETC.  Each year, AFSAT facilitates training for over 9,000 students from more than 142 nations, covering a wide range of disciplines including flying, technical, medical, and professional education.

Introduction:

The Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) AFSAT is conducting market research to identify potential sources and gather information on capabilities related to the aircrew, maintenance, and support services training for commercial and demilitarized aircraft. This information will be used to update our market research library and inform future procurement strategies.

This Sources Sought Notice/Request for Information (RFI) is for market research and planning purposes only. The information obtained in response to this RFI will be used to help identify qualified, experienced, potential sources, and attain a better understanding of the training location footprint. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). It is not to be construed as a formal solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. The information requested by this RFI is for market research only and will be used by the Air Force Multi-Functional Team (MFT) to assist planning. Any information provided to the Government is strictly voluntary and is provided at no cost to the Government. The Government will not reimburse vendors for any capability package preparation nor briefing costs. For purposes of this RFI, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611512 – Flight Training, SBA Small Business Size Standard is $34M.

Disclaimer:

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses to this RFI will be treated as informational only and shall not be considered as proposals. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will it reimburse any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation or submission of such information.

Background:

The United States Government (USG) and its international partners rely on commercially derivative and demilitarized aircraft to maintain air superiority and execute a wide range of missions. To ensure the effectiveness and readiness of these aircraft, comprehensive training programs are essential. These programs could encompass pilot and crew training, simulator training, academic training, maintenance and technical training, aircrew and operations support training, and courseware development.

The training programs must be designed to meet the unique needs of international partners under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This includes compliance with international regulations, cultural considerations, and the specific operational requirements of partner nations. The goal is to build and sustain the capabilities of partner nations to operate and maintain effectively, thereby enhancing global security and cooperation.

Note: The USG is specifically requesting information from vendors regarding their capability to perform training on the aircraft. The Government reserves the right to determine the acquisition approach, to include sole source, a Small Business set-aside or whether a small business socio economic approach authorized by statute would be more appropriate based on responses to this notice. The Government also reserves the right to issue a solicitation to any country requested specific source for training, as an International Agreement for Competitive Restriction (IACR), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 3204(e)(4)(E). Additional information or updates regarding this Training Support Services requirement will be posted on the General Services Administration System for Award Management (SAM.GOV) https://sam.gov/content/home website. Interested parties are encouraged to check this website regularly for any changes or updates. Interested parties capable of providing any of the training support services sought are instructed to add their information to the Interested list, add this notice to their Following list, and submit a capability statement in response to this RFI: Advanced Training on Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA) and Demilitarized Aircraft Capability Assessment

General Information

This RFI is not intended to solicit solutions for any specific requirement or multiple requirements whole or in part, nor is it associated with generating a follow-on contract, despite any perceived similarities to existing efforts. The purpose of this RFI is strategic in nature, primarily aimed at assessing whether the requested training capabilities are currently being provided by industry or secondary, identifying analogous training solutions currently offered by industry partners.

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

Industry partners may be requested to deliver courses aligned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Rules within the Civil Air Operations (CAO) domain. These training courses would be conducted within the continental United States (CONUS) at the industry partner's facilities, utilizing the industry partner's aircraft and infrastructure. If an industry partner’s training requires Public Air Operations (PAO), please provide rationale and discussion regarding that requirement.

Objectives:

The objectives of this RFI are to:

• Identify potential sources with the capability to provide comprehensive training programs (Reference Example Training) for the Commercial and Demilitarized Aircraft (Reference Example Aircraft) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
• Gather information on industry’s best practices, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies currently being utilized by industry related to:
  • Pilot and Crew Training: Programs that cover basic flight skills, advanced combat maneuvers, mission planning, and execution tailored to the specific requirements of each aircraft and operational environment.
  • Simulator Training: High-fidelity simulators that provide realistic and immersive environments for practicing complex scenarios, emergency procedures, and mission rehearsals.
  • Academic Training: Foundational knowledge delivery through classroom instruction, electronic courseware, and interactive learning tools covering aircraft systems, avionics, weapons, and tactics.
  • Aircrew and Operations Support Training: Training for mission planning, intelligence analysis, communications, and logistics support to enhance coordination and efficiency in executing complex missions.
  • Courseware Development: Development of comprehensive, user-friendly courseware aligned with the latest operational requirements and technological advancements, including interactive simulations and virtual reality (VR) modules.
  • Required Equipment: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any Government Furnished Property requirements, to include Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) or purchase of Contractor Acquired Property (CAP), necessary for vendor’s performance (Reference CONOPS).
  • Facilities: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any infrastructure or facility requirements necessary for vendor’s performance (Reference CONOPS).
  • Required Information: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any government furnished information (GFI) necessary for vendor’s performance (Reference Government Assumptions).
• Understand the current market landscape and capabilities of potential suppliers to meet the unique needs of international partners under the FMS program.
• Ensure compliance with international regulations, cultural considerations, and the specific operational requirements of partner nations.
• Enhance global security and cooperation by building and sustaining the capabilities of partner nations to operate and maintain commercial and demilitarized aircraft effectively.
• Clarify that this RFI is issued solely for the purpose of market research and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of solicitation in the future. The information gathered will be used to update our market research library and inform future procurement strategies and is not intended to fulfill any single requirement or lead to a follow-on contract.

Example Types of Training

Transport and Airlift:

Training: Focuses on cargo handling, passenger transport, flight planning, and navigation. Includes training on loading and unloading procedures, weight and balance calculations, and emergency protocols

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR):

Training: Emphasizes sensor operation, data collection, and analysis. Includes training on operating surveillance equipment, interpreting data, and coordinating ground units.

Search and Rescue (SAR):

Training: Covers rescue operations, medical evacuation, and survival techniques. Includes training on hoist operations, medical care, and coordination with rescue teams.

Maritime Patrol:

Training: Focuses on detecting and tracking surface vessels and maritime threats. Includes training on radar use and tactical coordination.

Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Gathering:

Training: Involves electronic surveillance, jamming, and signal intelligence. Includes training on electronic systems, signal analysis, and countermeasure deployment

VIP Transport:

Training: Emphasizes protocol, security, and comfort for high-ranking officials. Includes training in flight planning, security measures, and communication protocols

Utility and Medevac:

• • Training: Covers medical evacuation, transport, and utility missions. Includes training on medical care, patient transport, and coordination with medical facilities

Reconnaissance and Observation:

Training: Focuses on visual and electronic reconnaissance. Includes training on observation techniques, data collection, and reporting.

Combat Support and Light Attack:

Training: Involves tactical support, light attack operations, and coordination with ground forces. Includes training on weapon systems, targeting, and mission planning.

Example Type Aircraft

Light Civil Aviation training aircraft may include, but not limited to, C-150, C-172, DA- 20 equivalent aircraft; all Type/Models/Series (T/M/S.)

Light Prop Trainer training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, GROB120, AT/T-6, PC-9 equivalent aircraft; all T/M/S

Light Jet Trainer training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, T-38, L-39, F-5 equivalent aircraft; all T/M/S.

Light Cargo/Passenger Aircraft Training (LCAT) training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, C/RC-12, C-208, C-145, M28 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Cargo/Passenger (up to approx. 12.5K empty weight) training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, KA-350, KA-1900, C-26 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Large Cargo/Passenger (approx. 12,500 .lbs. plus) training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, BT-67, Casa C-212, Beech 400 (T-1), C-130 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Corporate Jet Aircraft training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, Lear Jet, C-500, C550, Gulfstream equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Commercial Jet Aircraft training aircraft may include, but not be limited to, B-707, B-737, ERJ-145 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Light Rotary-wing aircraft may include, but not be limited to, R44, MD500, B-206 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Medium Rotary-wing Caro/Passenger aircraft may include, but not be limited to, AW139, UH-1N, B412 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Rotary-wing or Helicopter Utility aircraft may include, but not be limited to, S70 and Mi17 equivalent aircraft and/or simulator; all T/M/S.

Government Assumptions

• Pilots receiving specialized training will be current and qualified in the aircraft.
• Due to foreign disclosure regulations, the Government is unable to provide details regarding United States-specific technical orders, publications, or instructions at this time.
• The requested training already exists and is executed by the industry partner currently therefore courseware development will be by exception and dependent on PNAF requirements.

Information Requested

This RFI is not intended to solicit solutions for any specific requirement, whether in whole or in part, nor is it intended to generate a follow-on contract, despite any perceived similarities to existing efforts. The primary purpose of this RFI is strategic, focusing on assessing whether the requested training capabilities are currently available within the industry or, alternatively, identifying analogous training solutions offered by industry partners. Additionally, the Government is particularly interested in capabilities that can be executed under FAR Part 12 – Commercial, with secondary consideration given to those that cannot.

Interested parties are requested to provide comprehensive responses that address the following areas to support the objectives outlined in this RFI:

• Company Capability Statements: Provide a detailed capability statement that highlights your company's experience and expertise in delivering comprehensive training programs (Reference Example Training) for the advanced training. This should include information on your company's history, core competencies, and any relevant certifications or accreditations. Emphasize your ability to deliver pilot and crew training, simulator training, academic training, maintenance and technical training, aircrew and operations support training, and courseware development.
• Relevant Past Performance: Include details of any relevant past performance, particularly in the context of international Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs. Provide contract numbers, customer points of contact, contract values, and a brief description of the scope of work performed. Highlight any successful projects that demonstrate your capability to meet the unique needs of international partners and comply with international regulations and standards.
• Approach to Training Programs: Describe your company's approach to developing and delivering training programs for the aircraft. This should include methodologies for pilot and crew training, the use of high-fidelity simulators, academic training delivery methods, maintenance and technical training procedures, and aircrew and operations support training. Discuss any innovative solutions or emerging technologies your company employs to enhance training effectiveness.
• Courseware Development: Although courseware development will be by exception, provide information on your company's capability to develop comprehensive, user-friendly courseware aligned with the latest operational requirements and technological advancements. Include examples of interactive simulations, virtual reality (VR) modules, and other instructional materials you have developed.
• Compliance and Cultural Considerations: Explain how your company ensures compliance with relevant international regulations and standards (e.g., ICAO, ITAR, EAR). Discuss your experience in addressing cultural considerations and the specific operational requirements of partner nations under the FMS program.
• Additional Information: Include any additional information that may be relevant to this RFI, such as your company's approach to quality assurance, risk management, and collaboration with international partners.

By providing detailed capability statements and supporting information, your company will help us understand the current market landscape and identify potential sources capable of delivering comprehensive training programs. This information will be instrumental in updating our market research library and informing future procurement strategies.

Please limit the capability statement to no more than 10 single-sided, type-written pages using font size 12. Extravagant formatting is not required nor desired. Paragraph numbering to coincide with the above requested information is preferred.

All questions regarding this posting must be submitted via email as soon as possible, but no later than 1:00 PM Central Time (CT) on 4 Feb 2026. Questions containing proprietary information must be clearly marked to prevent public release  via posting on the General Services Administration’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov)website: https://sam.gov/content/home. Please do not contact the contracting office for information. Email questions to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion and help avoid duplicate questions.

Those industry partners that wish to attend the virtual industry day on 18 Feb 2026 shall provide a list off attendees and contract information to the primary points of contact by 16 Feb 2026

The primary points of contact for this RFI are Joseph Wilkerson, and Dounia Izem. Contact with other Government personnel regarding this RFI is not permitted. If your organization is capable of providing the training support service described above, please electronically submit the requested information by the specified due dates to each of the following individuals:

• Joseph Wilkerson, joseph.wilkerson.10@us.af.mil
• Dounia Izem, dounia.izem@us.af.mil

Submission Timeline and Key Dates:

To support effective market research and ensure timely communication, the following milestones apply to this RFI. All submissions and inquiries must be received no later than 1:00 PM Central Time (CT) on the specified dates:

• Industry Questions for AFSAT NLT: 4 Feb 2026 
  • Vendors may submit questions regarding the RFI content or scope. All inquiries must be sent via email to the listed points of contact.
• AFSAT Response to Questions NLT: 16 Feb 2026
  •  The Government will provide consolidated responses to all questions received. Answers will be distributed via email or posted to SAM.gov, as appropriate.
• Industry Day: 18 Feb 2026
  • The Government will provide additional details, information, as well take questions in an open forum.
• Capability Statements: 4 Mar 2026
  • Interested parties must submit their capability statements electronically by this date. Late submissions may not be considered.