20251222_SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE_Final.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

SUBJECT: Certified Level D 747-8i Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

1. INTRODUCTION:

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, quotations or bids. The purpose of this notice is to conduct market research to identify qualified and experienced vendors, capable of providing a new, complete, certified, operational, commercial Level D 747-8i FFS, within a specific timeframe. Information received in response to this SSN will be used for informational purposes only.

2. AGENCY IDENTIFICATION:

United States Air Force (USAF) POCs: Please address programmatic and contractual questions to ian.hawkins.3@us.af.mil and sherianne.carroll.1@us.af.mil.

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The USAF is seeking information from qualified vendors capable of providing a new, commercial, Level D 747-8i FFS. This simulator must meet all applicable regulatory requirements and provide realistic and immersive training for pilots transitioning to, or maintaining currency, in the 747-8i aircraft. The simulator should be a new build, not a refurbished or an upgraded existing system.

4. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES:

The commercial Level D 747-8i FFS shall include, but not be limited to, the following features and capabilities:

FFS:

· Full Motion System: Six Degree of Freedom (6-DOF) motion platform providing realistic aircraft movement and G-forces.

· Aerodynamic Modeling and Performance Data: The simulator shall incorporate aero model data to account for ground effect, flap settings, and other aerodynamic factors. The simulator must accurately perform as the aircraft under various atmospheric conditions, including wind shear, turbulence, and icing. The simulator must accurately reproduce the Level D 747-8i performance data, including take-off and landing distances, climb rates, and cruise speeds.

· Visual System: High-resolution, wide field-of-view (FOV) visual system with realistic day, night, and adverse weather conditions. The visual system must include detailed airport scenery, terrain, and atmospheric effects. Minimum FOV visual system to meet Level-D certification is required. The visual database should include high-fidelity models of frequently visited airports, including accurate runway markings, lighting, and terminal buildings, as well as any obstacles that may be present. The ability to easily update and customize the database is required.

· Sound System: Realistic audio cues for all aircraft systems and environmental sounds. The sound system should accurately simulate engine noise, aerodynamic sounds, and cockpit alerts.

· Cockpit Environment: Accurate replica of the 747-8i cockpit, including all instruments, controls, and displays.

· Aircraft Systems Simulation: Accurate and comprehensive simulation of all aircraft systems, including:

· Flight controls (primary and secondary)

· Engines (GE Aviation GEnx-2B)

· Hydraulic systems

· Electrical systems

· Fuel systems

· Environmental control systems (including but not limited to air conditioning, cabin pressurization, and temperature control)

· Navigation systems

· Autopilot and flight director systems

· Communications systems

· Warning and caution systems

· Ice and rain protections

· Landing gear and braking systems

· Fire protection systems

· Flight management systems

· Electronic flight bag integration (if applicable on the actual aircraft)

· Instructor Operating Station (IOS): Intuitive and user-friendly IOS with the ability to control all aspects of the simulation, including:

· Scenario management

· Weather/time of day control (examples include rain, snow, fog, turbulence, lightning, smoke, explosions, day, night, dawn, and dusk with realistic lighting)

· Typical aircraft malfunctions

· Positioning and repositioning

· Student performance monitoring and data recording

· Real-time performance analysis and feedback tools

· Ability to create custom training scenarios

· Qualification: Must meet and maintain FAA Level D requirements

· Initial Support and Maintenance: Comprehensive support and maintenance package, including:

· On-site maintenance and repair services within a specified response time

· Spare parts

· Software updates to maintain accuracy and address any discovered issues

· Technical documentation and training for both operators and maintenance personnel

· 24/7 technical support via phone and/or online portal

· A guaranteed uptime percentage

· Initial Training:

· Pilot training

· Instructor training

· Maintenance personnel training

· Training and courseware materials

· Security Requirements: The simulator will be located in a secure facility. Personnel involved in the development, installation and maintenance will require a Top Secret security clearance, with potential for Yankee White access.

5. INFORMATION REQUESTED:

Respondents are requested to provide the following information:

· Company Name and Address: Including contact information (name, phone number, email address) for a point of contact.

· Company Profile: A brief description of the company's experience and capabilities in providing an FFS, particularly for large commercial aircraft.

· Relevant Experience: A list of relevant contracts or projects completed in the past five years, including a brief description of the scope of work, contract value, and customer contact information (if permission is granted to share this information), highlighting any experience building a commercial Level D 747-8i FFS.

· Technical Capabilities: A description of the vendor's technical capabilities, as described in section 4, including:

· Specific experience with Level D 747-8i FFS

· Motion platform technology used

· Visual system specifications (resolution, FOV, realism)

· Software and hardware architecture

· Certification process and experience

· Estimated Delivery Timeframe: Please submit the estimated timeframe for delivery of a commercial Level D 747-8i FFS, initial support and maintenance, and flight instruction. Respondents must clearly state their estimated build, delivery and installation timeframe in their response. This timeframe should be broken out and include all aspects of the simulator delivery, including proposal submittal, manufacturing, shipping, installation, testing, certification and Ready-for-Training.

· Potential Challenges: Identification of any potential challenges or risks associated with meeting the respondent’s estimated delivery schedule.

· Teaming Arrangements: Indicate if you plan to partner with other companies to provide the FFS. If so, briefly describe the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Please indicate if any teaming partners are small businesses.

7. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Responses to this SSN should be submitted electronically to sherianne.carroll.1@us.af.mil and ian.hawkins.3@us.af.mil no later than 5pm EST Friday, Jan 16th, 2026. Please limit responses to 8 pages.

8. DISCLAIMER:

· This SSN is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposals.

· The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice.

· The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.

· All information submitted in response to this notice is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

· Proprietary information should be clearly marked.

· Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary.

Thank you for your interest and participation.