Fixed Wing Pilot Training PP24-284

The City of Phoenix Finance Central Procurement is seeking a certified pilot training school to provide comprehensive fixed wing pilot training services for a five-year contract commencing on or about March 1, 2026. The solicitation (PP24-284) requires an FAA Part 141 certified training provider to deliver instruction across five certificate types: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), with an estimated two students per certificate annually. The training program mandates specific timeframes for completion: 20 weeks for Private and Commercial Pilot certificates, 12 weeks for Instrument Rating, and 16 weeks for CFI/CFII certificates. Contractors must maintain single-engine aircraft capable of accommodating two students plus an instructor, be equipped with technologically advanced electronic flight information systems, and provide training exclusively within the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Key evaluation criteria include a minimum of three years operational experience, comprehensive insurance coverage, and three professional references from clients served within the past 36 months. Important dates include a non-mandatory pre-offer conference on January 13, 2026, a deadline for written inquiries on January 15, 2026, and the final response deadline on January 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The solicitation includes significant Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Participation requirements governed by USDOT regulations under 49 CFR Part 26. Contractors must submit an initial DBE and Small Business Participation Plan within 30 calendar days of contract award and provide annual updates through the City's Certification and Compliance System. The plan requires proactive outreach to DBE-certified suppliers, tracking of all DBE and small business participation, and monthly reporting of expenditures. Contractors must demonstrate good faith efforts to engage DBE-certified firms by utilizing the Arizona UTRACS database and maintaining detailed documentation of all business engagement attempts. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract includes pricing submitted on a per-unit hour basis across 30 line items covering flight instruction, ground school, briefings, checkrides, and related fees. Pricing shall remain firm and fixed for the initial two years, with potential annual price increase requests thereafter, subject to 60 days' notice and supporting documentation. The City reserves the right to terminate the contract based on performance, with a corrective action plan required if three cumulative training deadline misses occur.