COMMAND AIRCRAFT CREW TRAINING (CACT) PROGRAM FOR ACADEMIC AND SIMULATOR TRAINING ON THE UC-35D AIRCRAFT
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) is soliciting proposals for the Command Aircraft Crew Training (CACT) Program, providing academic and simulator training on the UC-35D aircraft (military version of the Cessna Citation ENCORE/CE-560). This is a sole source acquisition with FlightSafety International (FSI), as FSI operates the only FAA-certified Level D full flight simulator capable of meeting the training fidelity requirements. Offers are due by July 10, 2026, at 1600 US Eastern Standard Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for comprehensive pilot training, including:
- UC-35D Pilot Initial Training Course: Qualifies naval aviators for UC-35D operations, covering systems, emergency procedures, simulator sessions, and course evaluation.
- UC-35D Pilot Recurrent Training Course: For qualified UC-35D pilots, including systems review and simulator sessions.
- Pilot Initial International Procedures Course: Non-aircraft specific, focusing on ICAO rules, flight planning, and international operations.
- Pilot Recurrent International Procedures eLearning Course: Self-paced, web-based review of international operations.
- Additional Level D Simulator Periods: For testing, proficiency, upgrades, or NATOPS checks.
All training must be conducted at a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 142 certified training center with a Level D Simulator for the Cessna Citation Encore/CE-560 aircraft.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).
- Set-Aside: Sole Source (to FlightSafety International).
- Period of Performance: Includes a Base Period (December 2026 - November 2027), four Option Years (December 2027 - November 2031), and an Option to Extend Services (December 2031 - May 2032).
- Place of Performance: 100% Contractor facility, located within 30 minutes of commercial lodging/dining and accessible from a commercial airport (Wichita, KS is the listed place of performance).
Submission & Evaluation
- Offer Due Date: July 10, 2026, 1600 US Eastern Standard Time.
- Submission Method: Email to William Dahlstrom (william.b.dahlstrom.civ@us.navy.mil). A courtesy copy should be sent to Audrey Rolland (audrey.l.rolland.civ@us.navy.mil).
- Proposal Requirements: Must include solicitation number, offeror details, UEI, EFT indicator, a technical narrative demonstrating PWS ability, a price volume, completed representations/certifications, and a statement of agreement with solicitation terms.
- Evaluation: Based on Technical Acceptability and Price Reasonableness. This is a non-competitive procurement; no comparative evaluation or tradeoff analysis will be conducted.
Additional Notes
The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines the Government's monitoring approach, including performance standards (Airman Certification Standards, NATOPS) and remedies for unsatisfactory performance. A Wage Determination for Kansas counties is also provided, impacting labor costs.