Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) Aircraft Modernization

What the buyer is asking for

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) to post a Request for Information (RFI) to request responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. NASA JSC is hereby requesting information from potential sources for the Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) Aircraft Modernization evaluation requirement. NASA JSC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for the SFRT Aircraft Modernization evaluation requirement. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor and/or teaming partner. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), HUBZone, Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside based on responses received. Respondents are requested to provide informed input on realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals for the specific requirement. This type of feedback supports NASA’s market research and helps ensure the acquisition strategy is aligned with actual industry capability. Industry feedback is requested for: 1. SB Subcontracting goals; 2. Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized tools, or high-risk performance areas and/or 3. Strategies to increase SB participation, including: • Breaking requirements into smaller components • Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting • Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches NASA JSC is conducting market research to obtain industry information regarding availability, capability, schedule, sustainment models, and cost efficacy for modern high-performance jet aircraft that could be used in evaluation and an evaluation program for supporting NASA's astronaut SFRT requirements. NASA has operated the T-38N fleet in support of astronaut SFRT for several decades. With the U.S. Air Force planning to retire the T?38 fleet in the 2030–2035 timeframe, NASA is evaluating options to transition to a more modern high-performance aircraft. Prior to any fleet transition, NASA seeks to conduct a limited-scope evaluation program using a small number of modern aircraft to determine: Suitability for astronaut training Operational characteristics and safety margins Curriculum integration and human factors Maintenance concepts and mission capable rate Supply chain considerations Overall fleet feasibility and lifecycle expectations This evaluation program is not a full fleet buy or replacement. It is intended to operate a small number of aircraft within JSC’s existing operational framework to assess compatibility, logistics, cost efficacy, and training impact. NASA is interested in understanding whether industry can provide a: Direct replacement solution Bridge capability that would preserve operational capacity while a full solution is developed or fielded Phased capability delivery approach that introduces mission capability over time, or Combination of the above Respondents should clearly identify which elements of their response are available as near-term solutions and which require additional development, certification, production, or integration effort. Desired Aircraft Characteristics NASA is seeking information on existing, production, or near-production high-performance jet aircraft capable of supporting…