Notice of Intent to Sole Source: F-35 Engine Run Simulator
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA500426Q1143
- Agency
-
Pacific Air Forces
Air Force, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 333310 Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6930 Operation Training Devices
- Place of performance
- Eielson AFB, Alaska 99702, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
Department of the Air Force Pacific Air Forces intends to sole-source procure an F-35 engine run simulator from iPerformX, with capability statements due August 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM AKST. The Government justifies single-source procurement under FAR 12.102(a) based on iPerformX's proprietary ownership and exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the required mixed-reality training system; market research found two competing sources offered only foreign-sourced software and hardware with inferior warranty terms. However, the notice invites interested vendors to submit capability statements by the deadline; the Air Force will evaluate all submissions to determine whether to proceed with sole-source award or open the competition.
Place of performance is Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The simulator must replicate F-35 engine start sequences, emergency scenarios, and fault codes while replicating the physical characteristics, dimensions, and tactile feedback of an actual F-35 cockpit. It must be fully self-contained, air-gapped (no DoD network connection required), and operate on standard 110 VAC, 60 Hz power within a compact footprint not exceeding 70 inches length by 45 inches width by 60 inches height. Functional components include a power control panel with ICC switches, articulating throttle box, foot pedals, touchscreen panoramic display, flight control stick, ejection seat, and vehicle systems built-in test capable of generating fault codes. The system must strictly comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations standards and include perpetual software licensing with routine patches and bug fixes provided at no cost during warranty. The contractor must deliver the system F.O.B. destination with on-site installation, train-the-trainer training, and a minimum 24-month hardware and 56-month software warranty with dedicated technical support.
Notice text
Pre-Solicitation Notice: F-35 Engine Run Simulator
This is a pre-solicitation synopsis of a proposed contract action in accordance with RFO Subpart 5.2.
Description: The U.S. Air Force has a requirement to procure a high-fidelity F-35 engine run simulator. The system's
core objective is to serve as a critical training tool, enabling personnel to master engine start sequences, effectively respond to a
range of emergency scenarios, and diagnose system fault codes in a controlled environment. A paramount requirement is that
the simulator must replicate the physical characteristics and tactile feedback of a genuine F-35 cockpit. This is essential for
building operator familiarity, muscle memory, and the confidence needed for real-world engine run operations. The final product
must be delivered in a compact form factor that operates on standard power and cooling infrastructure.
The Government has the intent to procure this requirement to a sole source in accordance with 6.301-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
Intent to Sole Source:
The Government intends to award this contract to IPerformX (CAGE: 8BHF8) under the authority of FAR 12.102(a) because they are the only source that can provide a life-like inject capabilities or the required level of customer support. iPerformX is the proprietary owner and sole manufacturer capable of providing the fully unclassified system with the mandatory 24-month software/56-month hardware warranties because of this the requirement must be procured as a Sole Source directly to iPerformX.
This is not a formal solicitation. However, if your business can fulfill this requirement, email a capability statement to the Contracting Officer at ronald.greig@us.af.mil by August 20, 2026 by 1:00PM AKST. We will evaluate all submissions received before the deadline to decide if we should compete this purchase.
Files
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation | |
| F-35 Engine Run Simulator | Pre-Solicitation |
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