IPT RFI 06Nov2024.docx

Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) for Initial Pilot Training (IPT)

This Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) seeks industry’s feedback to the questions below to determine the availability and capability of large and small businesses to perform a potential requirement. Responses received may be used for acquisition strategic decision-making purposes only. This announcement does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a contract or otherwise pay for the information solicited or any follow-up information requests.

The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice. Companies responding to this RFI/SS notice are advised that participation does not ensure involvement in any future solicitation or contract award. Contact with Government personnel, other than those specified in this RFI/SS, by interested firms or their employees regarding this requirement is not permitted.

Description:

To increase pilot production output, production efficiency, and pipeline modernization, the United States Air Force (USAF) seeks new means to increase throughput. This RFI requests information on “turnkey” commercial training solution for the FAA certifications listed herein.

Summary:

It is the Government’s intention to research available sources to meet the above criteria as part of this preliminary Market Research RFI. The Government may use responses to this RFI/SS to determine industry’s capability to perform the services outlined within this RFI; determine the commerciality of this service; the capability for small businesses to perform this service; and any other determination as required by the Government. The main emphasis is to determine industry capability to provide a robust IPT program for aviation candidates in advance of Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Scope:

If enacted, IPT would be the first step of the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) process. IPT would provide ground and flying training for United States Government (USG) and international military student (IMS) candidates. These may include pilot candidates, combat system officer (CSO) candidates, and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilot candidates in preparation for follow-on flight training.

Responses should results in military student candidates receiving their FAA certifications to in Private Pilot Certification (PPC), Instrument Rating (IR), and a Multi-Engine Land (MEL) private qualification within 139 days.

The potential projected student load may vary:

1. Pilot: 1500 to 1620 entries per year

2. RPA (PPC Only): 400 to 450 entries per year

3. CSO (PPC Only): 250 to 350 entries per year

4. IMS: 150 to 200 entries per year

This training should meet all objectives to include, but not limited to:

1. Flying and simulator training.

2. Academic and ground training to supplement and reinforce flying and simulator training.

3. Pilot students should receive a FAA Private Pilot Certification (PPC), Instrument Rating (IR), and a Multi-Engine Land (MEL) private qualification.

Contracting Office Address Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, 338 ESS/PKA, 2021 First Street West, JBSA-Randolph, TX, 78150-4302 Please provide responses to this RFI by providing a completed Contractor Capability Survey (below), with the Title of this RFI, to Mr. Justin Haynes at justin.haynes.7@us.af.mil and Ms. Jaimee Wilson at jaimee.wilson@us.af.mil, NLT 2:00 pm CST 21 November 24. Marketing materials are insufficient responses to this RFI. Please limit responses to no more than 5 pages and please identify a representative to support further government inquiries and requests for clarification on submissions.

NOTE: The Government is under no obligation to consider information received after the due date as part of the formal market research for this acquisition.

VENDOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Part I. Business Information Following the numbering scheme below, please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

a. Company/Institute Name:

b. Address:

c. Point of Contact:

d. Unique Entity ID Number:

e. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code:

f. Phone Number:

g. E-mail Address:

h. Web Page URL:

i. Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 611512 Flight Training, $34M

j. A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership)

k. Identify business size and socio-economic status, pursuant to NAICS listed above and pursuant to FAR 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Mar 2023), by marking all applicable categories shown below.

Part II: RFI Specific Questions

1. Are you a CFR, Title 14, Part 141 FAA certified flight school? (Yes/No)

2. What is your capability to begin training 27 USAF pilot candidates within 90 days after contract award and scale to 27 students every three weeks culminating in training a maximum of 450 students a year within the first 12 months of performance (reference attachment 1)? If not, what is your current and future capability to scale?

3. Can your program ensure students obtain the FAA PPC, IR Certificate, and MEL (Private) Qualification in 139 calendar days or less? (Yes/No)

4. Do your aircraft avionics meet the definition of a “glass cockpit” similar to a Garmin 1000? (Yes/No)

5. What is your current aircraft inventory?

6. Do you have current testing authority or designated pilot examiner on staff for all required certifications? (Yes/No)

7. Are you capable of providing lodging, including lockable individual bedrooms and shared living spaces (kitchen/living room) for same-sex or legally married students? (Yes/No)

Attachments

1. IPT Scaling Plan