The United States Space Force (USSF)

SOURCES SOUGHT/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

AZIMUTH – PARABOLIC FLIGHTS SERVICE

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY to identify sources that can provide the required services as stated in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). The information provided in this request for information (RFI) is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.

INTRODUCTION

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Delta 1, Detachment 1 Azimuth program is a unique summer space education and training program for military cadets hosted at the U.S. Air Force Academy. It offers an immersive introduction to physical operations in the space domain. The program includes academics, industry and military visits, neutral buoyancy, microgravity, and rocket building. Cadets experience the effects of lunar, Martian, and microgravity by flying on a modified aircraft and performing demonstrations and research experiments in simulated space environments. The Space Delta 1, Detachment 1 program inspires cadets to become officers of character to lead the Space Force. It helps prepare future Guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine and testing. Azimuth also fosters connections and joint capabilities to guide a greater understanding of space.

PURPOSE/LOCATION

Flights will originate from and end at the Colorado Springs airport (KCOS), Colorado Springs, CO. Responses to this RFI will provide the Government with knowledge of industry interest, qualifications, and capability. Responses will also help the Government with conducting market research as well as finalizing solicitation documents. No solicitation exists; this is only a request for information, and the type of solicitation may depend upon the responses received.

This RFI is to determine the availability of business to include small businesses to provide the required services. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if issued.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The anticipated period of performance the government is considering a one (1) year base period plus three (3) option periods four (4) years of flights in the summers total. The draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) is provided for detailed information regarding this requirement.

Respondents are encouraged to submit capability statements with innovative approaches to delivering Parabolic Flight Services. This may include the use of aircraft platforms not traditionally used for parabolic fight services (e.g., business jets, experimental aircraft, supersonics, autonomous systems). USSF is interested in flexible, scalable, and novel operational concepts with the potential to help USSF expand access to reduced-gravity environments and accelerate space technology readiness at the earliest availability.

INDUSTRY RESPONSE

Since this is a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) and not a solicitation for receipt of proposals or quotations, the Government does not encourage questions concerning this market research. Requests for clarifications must be submitted before 25 February 2026 via e-mail to kelly.parker.6@spaceforce.mil and HQ.STARCOM.PK@spaceforce.mil and will be addressed on or about 26 February 2026.

Responses are requested as soon as possible but not later than 18 March 2026 at 1400 hours Eastern Standard Time (EST) with no extensions granted. All responses shall be only submitted via e-mail to kelly.parker.6@spaceforce.mil and HQ.STARCOM.PK@spaceforce.mil. Responses are expected to be on company letterhead and must include the following information: date, point of contact, address, phone number, email address, DUNS number and CAGE code. Responses shall be no more than 20 pages (single spaced, front and back, no smaller than Times New Roman, font size 12 or equivalent). If submissions exceed the page count noted, the Government will only review the first 20 pages and disregard the remainder of the submission. Extraneous materials (brochures, manuals, etc.) will not be considered. Please answer the questions completely and include a copy of FAA certifications.

Questions

1. Please describe your business model and prior parabolic flight experience. Is your organization fully U.S owned and operated?

2. Is the NAICS Code 481219 (Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation) appropriate for this scope of work. If not what would you recommend and why?

3. What aircraft brand(s) and model(s) does your organization have available to provide parabolic flight services?

4. What airworthiness standards, certifications, special permits, etc., does your aircraft operate under? Can your organization provide services on a fully commercial basis?

5. Can you accurately achieve Martian, lunar, and microgravity profiles? How will you verify and maintain reduced gravity accuracy?

6. Specify your business type based upon NAICS 481219 (Other nonscheduled Air Transportation). Specify all that apply.

__ Large Business __ Small Business __ Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) __ 8(a) __ HUBZone __ Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) __ Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) __ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business SDVOSB)

7. Does your firm currently provide these services under an existing contract such as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) or Government-Wide Acquisition Contract? If so, please provide the contract number, point of contact name/number, and managing agency (e.g., Air Force, DoD, GSA).

8. Is your company capable of fulfilling the entire requirement outlined in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS)? If not, which requirements would you be unable to provide?

9. Would your firm propose on this project as a prime contractor, prime contractor with subcontractor(s), prime contractor with team member subcontractor(s), or a joint venture?

10. If you would propose a joint venture, identify to the extent possible, your team members.

11. Identify the business size of your team members or joint venture firms under this NAICS.

12. Do you anticipate having a teaming partner? How much work do you anticipate performing as opposed to a teaming partner or subcontractor?

13. Identify barriers to performance if any.

14. Identify any projects completed in the past five (5) years for the same or similar scope to help determine your firm’s capability in meeting the requirement for the service listed in the attached documents. Include any Government contracts (Federal, State, or local) you have been awarded for this type of requirement. Also, include the contract number and a government point of contact. Identify if your company was the prime contractor or a subcontractor for these projects.

15. Industry review and input on the PWS is beneficial for authoring a well-written requirement. Please identify any concerns or questions you may have regarding the draft PWS, and what information your company would like to see. Suggested changes, questions, and/or comments to the PWS may be submitted via tracked changes in an MS Word document.

16. Do you find any of the PWS requirements to be impossible to perform? Or do you feel there are requirements lacking which would be necessary for successful performance? Do you identify any task or performance requirement that could be executed better and/or include industry best practices. If so, provide details of why a requirement is impossible, why one should be added, and/or what is recommended for better execution via tracked changes in an MS Word document.

17. What risks do you see associated with this acquisition and how would you mitigate those risks?

18. Are you aware of any organizational conflicts of interest that need to be addressed?

19. Are you aware of any other Government agencies pursuing similar objectives as identified in this PWS? If so, please explain their relevance.

20. Identify measures/terms that should be identified within the PWS regarding contractor vs. Government responsibilities given the nature and scope of this PWS?

21. Flight operations specific questions:

a. Operational Certification and Compliance

· Are you certified under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 121 for conducting commercial flight operations?

· Can you provide documentation of your FAA certification and compliance with FAR Part 121 for parabolic flights?

· What types of flight authorizations and safety protocols do you have in place for conducting parabolic flights under FAR Part 121 regulations?

· Can you provide your Foreign Air Carrier Permit & Economic Authority under Dept of Transportation (DoT)?

· Does your company have a Category 1 rating under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Program?

· If you’re a foreign carrier/Non-U.S. can you provide your Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) under FAR Part 129?

· If you’re a foreign carrier/Non-U.S., can you provide your Specialized Flight Operational Approval (SFA) or waiver? Parabolic flights are considered a specialized operation. Carriers would need specific FAA approval for these maneuvers within U.S. airspace, which would entail a detailed review of their procedures and safety protocols.

· If you are not currently certified for conducting parabolic flights, what hurdles currently remain and what is your expected timeline to receive the necessary certifications? If you are not currently certified for conducting parabolic flights, what hurdles currently remain and what is your expected timeline to receive the necessary certifications?

b. Specialized Experience in Micro-Gravity Operations

· Do you have prior experience operating flights specifically designed to create a micro-gravity environment?

· How many micro-gravity flight operations have you conducted, and over what period?

· What type of training and expertise does your flight crew possess in relation to conducting micro-gravity parabolic maneuvers?

c. Availability and Access to Specialized Aircraft

· What specific aircraft do you use for micro-gravity flight operations?

· Can you support the PWS requirement for passengers per flight?

· Are your aircraft modified or customized specifically for conducting parabolic flight paths that create a micro-gravity environment?

· How many aircraft do you have that are configured and available for micro-gravity operations?

d. Compliance with Safety Standards and Risk Management

· How do you ensure adherence to FAA safety standards for micro-gravity operations?

· What safety measures and emergency protocols are implemented during micro-gravity flights?

· Can you provide documentation or examples of previous successful micro-gravity operations and safety audits?

e. Market Availability and Exclusivity

· Are you aware of any other FAR Part 121-certified companies that provide commercial micro-gravity flight services?

· What sets your company apart from potential competitors in the field of micro-gravity flight operations?

· Are you the only company in the U.S. certified for micro-gravity flight operations under FAR Part 121?

f. Technical Capabilities and Flight Profile

· What specific parabolic flight profiles do you utilize to create a sustained micro-gravity environment?

· How long does each micro-gravity phase last, and how many parabolas can be performed during a standard flight?

· What modifications or customizations have been made to your aircraft to optimize them for micro-gravity flight?

g. Client Experience and Partnerships

· Who are some of your past clients or partners for micro-gravity flight operations (e.g., NASA, research institutions)?

· What has been the feedback or outcomes from your clients regarding micro-gravity flights?

· Do you offer exclusive agreements or partnership options for large-scale micro-gravity projects?

h. Insurance and Liability Coverage

· What type of insurance and liability coverage do you carry for micro-gravity flight operations?

· How do you handle risk management and liability in the event of an incident during a micro-gravity flight?

i. Logistical Capabilities

· What are your scheduling capabilities for micro-gravity flights, and how flexible are you in accommodating client needs?

· Can you support 100 students within a three (3)-week window and 300 students over a nine (9) week period?

· Do you offer nationwide service, or are there limitations on where your micro-gravity flights can be conducted?