Request for Information (RFI): Foreign Military Sales – F-16 Fighter Aircraft Training Capability Assessment

*** This Request for Information (RFI) is undergoing a strategic pause due to internal Government discussions. All forthcoming dates, to include submission dates and industry facing events, related to this RFI are suspended though the pause’s end. There is no estimated timeframe for the duration of the pause. NOTICE INFORMATION Title: Request for Information (RFI): Foreign Military Sales – F-16 Fighter Aircraft Training Capability Assessment Sources Sought-Request for Information Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is the executive agent for all Air Force sponsored international training and education. The command implements and approves Air Force sponsored security assistance training, monitors the progress of training and the welfare of U.S. Air Force-sponsored international students, and provides guidance for implementation of the DoD Field Studies Program. The Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) is aligned under AETC. Each year, AFSAT facilitates training for over 9,000 students from more than 142 nations, covering a wide range of disciplines including flying, technical, medical, and professional education. Introduction: The Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) AFSAT is conducting market research to identify potential sources and gather information on capabilities related to the aircrew, maintenance, and support services training for F-16. This information will be used to update our market research library and inform future procurement strategies. 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-16 training location footprint. 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 nor briefing costs. For purposes of this RFI, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611512 – Flight Training, SBA Small Business Size Standard is $34M. Disclaimer: This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses to this RFI will be treated as informational only and shall not be considered as proposals. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will it reimburse any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation or submission of such information. Background: The United States Government (USG) and its international partners rely on Fighter aircraft such as F-16 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 could encompass pilot and crew training, simulator training, academic training, maintenance and technical training, aircrew and operations support training, and courseware development. Pilot and Crew Training: Effective pilot and crew training is critical for the successful operation of F-16 aircraft. Training programs must cover basic flight skills, advanced combat maneuvers, mission planning, and execution. The training should be tailored to the specific requirements of each aircraft and the operational environment in which they will be deployed. Simulator Training: High-fidelity simulators play a vital role in training pilots and crews by providing realistic and immersive environments. Simulator training allows for the practice of complex scenarios, emergency procedures, and mission rehearsals without the risks associated with live flight. It is essential to have simulators that accurately replicate the flight characteristics and systems of the F-16. Academic Training: Academic training provides the foundational knowledge required for the operation and maintenance of Fighter aircraft. This includes understanding aircraft systems, avionics, weapons, and tactics. Academic training should be delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, electronic courseware, and interactive learning tools. Maintenance and Technical Training: Proper maintenance and technical training are crucial to ensure the aircraft's operational readiness and longevity. Training programs should cover routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and upgrades. Technicians must be proficient in the use of diagnostic tools and maintenance procedures specific to the F-16. Aircrew and Operations Support Training: Aircrew and operations support personnel play a key role in mission success. Training programs should include mission planning, intelligence analysis, communications, operations supervision, aircrew records management and logistics support. These programs should be designed to enhance coordination and efficiency in executing complex missions. Courseware Development: Developing high-quality courseware is essential for effective training. Courseware should be comprehensive, user-friendly, and aligned with the latest operational requirements and technological advancements. It may include interactive simulations, virtual reality (VR) modules, and up-to-date instructional materials. The training programs must be designed 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. The goal is to build and sustain the capabilities of partner nations to operate and maintain F-16 aircraft effectively, thereby enhancing global security and cooperation. Note: The USG is specifically requesting information from vendors regarding their capability to perform training on the F-16 aircraft. The Government reserves the right to determine the acquisition approach, to include sole source, a Small Business set-aside or whether a small business socio economic approach authorized by statute would be more appropriate based on responses to this notice. The Government also reserves the right to issue a solicitation to any country requested specific source for training, as an International Agreement for Competitive Restriction (IACR), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 3204(e)(4)(E). Additional information or updates regarding this Training Support Services requirement will be posted on the General Services Administration System for Award Management (SAM.GOV) https://sam.gov/content/home website. Interested parties are encouraged to check this website regularly for any changes or updates. Interested parties capable of providing any of the training support services sought are instructed to add their information to the Interested list, add this notice to their Following list, and submit a capability statement in response to this RFI: Foreign Military Sales – FIGHTER Aircraft (F-16) General Information This RFI is not intended to seek a solution all or in part to any specific one requirement or multiple requirements. There is no current contract that this RFI is a direct precursor. This RFI is strategic in nature to ascertain if any of the following is currently being provided by industry and if not what analogous training is being provided by industry partners. Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to solicit information from industry partners with the capability and capacity to support the establishment and operation of an F-16 Flying Training Unit (FTU). The FTU will provide training for partner nation air forces, enabling them to achieve basic F-16 qualifications, flight lead upgrades, and instructor upgrades. Scope: The industry partner will be responsible for providing infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and logistical support necessary to operate and maintain F-16 aircraft. The partner nation air force will provide pilots and aircraft, while the contractor will ensure the operational readiness of the FTU through comprehensive support services. Objectives The primary objectives of the FTU are: To establish a fully operational F-16 training facility capable of supporting various F-16 models. To provide training for partner nation pilots, including basic qualifications, flight lead upgrades, and instructor certifications. To ensure the operational readiness of F-16 aircraft through maintenance, logistical support, and supply chain management. Contractor Responsibilities The industry partner will be responsible for the following: Infrastructure and Facilities Airport Operations: Provide access to an operational airport with runways capable of supporting F-16 operations. Hangars: Construct or provide hangars for aircraft storage and maintenance. Maintenance Facilities: Establish facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Airspace Training Locations: Secure access to airspace suitable for F-16 training operations, including air-to-air and air-to-ground training. Training location shall be located within the United States or its territories. Equipment Provide most equipment necessary to maintain and operate F-16 aircraft, including ground support equipment (GSE), tools, and diagnostic systems. While some equipment may be provided as Government-Furnished Property (GFP) or purchased as Contractor-Acquired Property (CAP), the contractor must plan for scenarios where such equipment is unavailable. Aircraft Maintenance and Logistical Support Perform all maintenance activities required to ensure the operational readiness of F-16 aircraft. Manage the supply chain for aircraft parts and consumables under the contractor’s logistical support. Training and Instruction Provide qualified instructors to conduct pilot training, including basic F-16 qualifications, flight lead upgrades, and instructor certifications. Deliver support staff to assist in training operations and ensure smooth execution of the FTU mission. Partner Nation Contributions The partner nation air force will provide: Pilots for training. F-16 aircraft for operations. Assumptions Availability of GFP or CAP equipment is uncertain and cannot be relied upon. The contractor must be prepared to independently source and provide all necessary equipment and resources. The FTU will operate in compliance with all applicable regulations and standards for F-16 operations and training. Request for Information Industry partners are invited to submit responses detailing their ability and capacity to meet the requirements outlined in this CONOPS. Responses should include: A description of relevant experience and capabilities. Proposed solutions for infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and logistical support. Cost estimates and timelines for implementation. Financial strategies to accommodate the payment model based on outcomes (per class/student) without reliance on advanced payments. What partnerships or teaming arrangements would be needed to accomplish your capability? Any additional information that demonstrates the partner’s ability to support the FTU mission By providing detailed capability statements and supporting information, your company will help us understand the current market landscape and identify potential sources capable of delivering comprehensive training programs for the F-16 aircraft. This information will be instrumental in updating our market research library and informing future procurement strategies. Please limit the capability statement to no more than 26 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. All questions regarding this posting must be submitted via email as soon as possible, but no later than Undetermined . Questions containing proprietary information must be clearly marked to prevent public release via posting on the General Services Administration’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website: https://sam.gov/content/home. Please do not contact the contracting office for information. Email questions to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion and help avoid duplicate questions. Those industry partners that wish to attend the virtual industry day on Undetermined shall provide a list of attendees and contract information to the primary points of contact by Undetermined . The primary points of contact for this RFI is Ms. Nyderah Williams. The secondary point of contacts are Mr. Joseph Wilkerson and Mr. Darrin Dziergowski. Contact with other Government personnel regarding this RFI is not permitted. If your organization is capable of providing the training support service described above, please electronically submit the requested information by the specified due dates to each of the following individuals: Nyderah Williams, [email protected] Joseph Wilkerson, [email protected] Darrin Dziergowski, [email protected] Submission Timeline and Key Dates: To support effective market research and ensure timely communication, the following milestones apply to this RFI. All submissions and inquiries must be received no later than TBD on the specified dates: Industry Questions for AFSAT NLT : Undetermined Vendors may submit questions regarding the RFI content or scope. All inquiries must be sent via email to the listed points of contact. AFSAT Response to Questions NLT : Undetermined The Government will provide consolidated responses to all questions received. Answers will be distributed via email or posted to SAM.gov, as appropriate. Industry Day: Undetermined The Government will provide additional details, information, as well take questions in an open forum. Capability Statements : Undetermined Interested parties must submit their capability statements electronically by this date. Late submissions may not be considered.