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 C-17. 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 C-17 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 mobility aircraft such as C-17 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 C-17 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 C-17. Academic Training: Academic training provides the foundational knowledge required for the operation and maintenance of mobility 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 C-17. 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 C-17 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 C-17 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 – MOBILITY Aircraft (C-17) 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 intended to generate a follow-on contract too. 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. Objectives: The objectives of this RFI are to: Identify potential sources with the capability to provide comprehensive training programs for the C-17 aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Gather information on industry best practices, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies related to: C-17 Pilot and Crew Training: Programs that cover basic flight skills, advanced combat maneuvers, mission planning, and execution tailored to the specific requirements of each aircraft and operational environment. C-17 Simulator Training: High-fidelity simulators that provide realistic and immersive environments for practicing complex scenarios, emergency procedures, and mission rehearsals. C-17 Academic Training: Foundational knowledge delivery through classroom instruction, electronic courseware, and interactive learning tools covering aircraft systems, avionics, weapons, and tactics. C-17 Aircrew and Operations Support Training: Training for mission planning, intelligence analysis, communications, and logistics support to enhance coordination and efficiency in executing complex missions. C-17 Courseware Development: Development of comprehensive, user-friendly courseware aligned with the latest operational requirements and technological advancements, including interactive simulations and virtual reality (VR) modules. C-17 Required Equipment: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any Government Furnished Property requirements, to include Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) or purchase of Contractor Acquired Property (CAP), necessary for vendor’s performance. Facilities: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any infrastructure or facility requirements necessary for vendor’s performance. Required Information: Vendor is advised, in RFI, to identify any government furnished information (GFI) necessary for vendor’s performance. Understand the current market landscape and capabilities of potential suppliers to meet the unique needs of international partners under the FMS program. Ensure compliance with international regulations, cultural considerations, and the specific operational requirements of partner nations. Enhance global security and cooperation by building and sustaining the capabilities of partner nations to operate and maintain C-17 aircraft effectively. Clarify that this RFI is issued solely for the purpose of market research and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future. The information gathered will be used to update our market research library and inform future procurement strategies and is not intended to fulfill any single requirement or lead to a follow-on contract. Specific Courses Desired C-17 Pilot Initial Qualification Training (PIQ) C-17 Aircraft Commander Initial Qualification (ACIQ) C-17 Pilot Checkout (PCO) C-17 Instructor Aircraft Commander (IAC) C-17 Instructor Aircraft Commander Requalification (IACRQ) C-17 Aircraft Commander Requalification (ACRQ) C-17 Aircraft Commander Airdrop (ACAD) C-17 Copilot Airdrop (CAD) C-17 Senior Officer Qualification (SOQ) C-17 Airdrop Instructor Pilot (ADIP) C-17 Aerial Delivery Training (including JPADS) C-17 Night Vision Goggle Training C-17 Loadmaster Training Courses C-17 Loadmaster Initial Qualification (LIQ) C-17 Instructor Loadmaster (ILM) C-17 Loadmaster Transition (LTX–4) C-17 Loadmaster Airdrop (LAD) C-17 Instructor Loadmaster (ILM) Crew Resource Management (CRM) Instrument Refresher Course (IRC) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Industry partners may be asked to provide C-17 courses analogous to a formal training unit (FTU), Field Training Detachment (FTU) and/or operational Airlift Squadron (AS). This training course would be in-country at a PNAF location utilizing PNAF aircraft and facilities. Additionally, secondary to the desired courses, industry partners may be asked to provide mentorship and guidance in development and sustainment of an operational AS during the course of executing specific C-17 courses. Government Assumptions There is no CONUS capability to provide these courses due to the amount of support infrastructure required to support C-17 formal training courses. The contractor will have access to any country specific technical orders (CSTOs) purchased as part of the country’s initial procurement The contractor will have access to any country specific courseware purchased as part of the country’s initial procurement The government can not provide details regarding any United States specific technical orders, publications or instructions at this time. 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 comprehensive training programs for the C-17 aircraft. This should include information on your company's history, core competencies, and any relevant certifications or accreditations. Emphasize your ability to deliver pilot and crew training, simulator training, academic training, maintenance and technical training, aircrew and operations support training, and courseware development either CONUS and/or OCONUS. Relevant Past Performance: Include details of any relevant past performance, particularly in the context of international Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs. 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. Approach to Training Programs: Describe your company's approach to developing and delivering training programs for the C-17 aircraft. This should include methodologies for pilot and crew training, the use of high-fidelity simulators, academic training delivery methods, maintenance and technical training procedures, and aircrew and operations support training. Discuss any innovative solutions or emerging technologies your company employs to enhance training effectiveness. Courseware Development: Provide information on your company's capability to develop comprehensive, user-friendly courseware aligned with the latest operational requirements and technological advancements. Include examples of interactive simulations, virtual reality (VR) modules, and other instructional materials you have developed. 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. 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 C-17 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 1:00 PM Central Time (CT) on 3 Nov 2025 . 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 13 Nov 2025 shall provide a list off attendees and contract information to the primary points of contact by 10 Nov 2025 The primary points of contact for this RFI are Joseph Wilkerson, Zachary Oliverson and Matthew Deleon. 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: Joseph Wilkerson,
[email protected] Zachary Oliverson,
[email protected] Matthew Deleon,
[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 1:00 PM Central Time (CT) on the specified dates: Industry Questions for AFSAT NLT : 3 Nov 2025 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 : 10 Nov 2025 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: 13 Nov 2025 The Government will provide additional details, information, as well take questions in an open forum. Capability Statements : 3 Dec 2025 Interested parties must submit their capability statements electronically by this date. Late submissions may not be considered.