Foreign Military Sales – F-35B Instructor Pilots

NOTICE INFORMATION

Title: Foreign Military Sales – F-35B Instructor Pilots

Sources Sought-Request for Information

Introduction: The Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) is conducting market research to identify potential sources and gather information on capabilities related to the provision of F-35B qualified and current for flight instructor pilots (IP) to assist with the training of students from partner nations. The intent of this Sources Sought-Request for Information (RFI) is to determine if there are sources available to fulfill future requirements to update our market research library.

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, interested potential sources, and attain a better understanding of the F-35 training footprint with an emphasis on the F-35B. 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. For purposes of this RFI, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611512 – Flight Training, Small Business Size Standard is $34M.

Background:

The United States Government (USG) and its international partners rely on advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-35B 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 encompass pilot and crew training, simulator training, academic training, maintenance and technical training, aircrew and operations support training, and courseware development. At this time, the Government is only seeking to identify sources capable of augmenting said training with instructor pilots.

Instructor Pilots: The specific purpose of this RFI is to identify sources capable of providing F-35B instructor pilots to augment USG training for a partner nation air force. Sources are being sought to provide F-35B qualified and current for flight IPs and qualified for F-35B simulator IPs. Estimates suggest the requirement will be for four (4) F-35B Flight IPs and four (4) Simulator IPs over a period of five (5) years at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas.

Offerings will be required 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.

Information Requested

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 F-35B qualified and current for flight IPs. This should include information on your company's history, core competencies, and any relevant certifications or accreditations.
• Relevant Past Performance: Include details of any relevant past performance, particularly in the context of international Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs and/or the staffing of qualified for flight instructor pilots. 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.
• 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.

Please limit the capability statement to no more than 5 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.

The primary point of contact for this RFI is Keegan Hoover. Contact with other Government personnel regarding this RFI is not permitted. If your organization is capable of providing the service described above, please electronically submit the requested information by the specified due date to Keegan Hoover via email: keegan.hoover.2@us.af.mil.

Information requested due dates and timeline:

Capability Statements: 14 May 2025