Call for Solutions - Flight School Next (FSN)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding the Flight School Next (FSN) opportunity. It addresses various aspects of the solicitation, including technical requirements, submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and contract administration.

• Communication Requirements: Clarifies "simultaneous" communication for helicopter radios, requiring simultaneous reception across UHF-AM, VHF-AM, and VHF-FM bands for pilots and crew, with simultaneous transmission capability on one selected frequency at a time.
• Formatting and Submission: Provides detailed guidance on font size, line spacing, page limits, and the inclusion of elements like cover pages, tables of contents, and lists of acronyms. Confirms that cover pages, tables of contents, and lists of acronyms do not count against page limits.
• Contract Structure and Pricing: Clarifies the structure for task orders, particularly for years 11-26, and the use of Not-to-Exceed (NTE) values for pricing. Confirms that optional training opportunities are to be separately priced.
• Facility and Equipment: Addresses the provision of facilities and equipment, stating that government-provided facilities are outlined in an attachment and that certain equipment (e.g., underwater egress trainer) will not be made available.
• Evaluation and Selection: Explains that Phase II presentations and supporting materials will be evaluated on a selectable or non-selectable basis, and that Phase II feedback must be incorporated into Phase III submissions, not provided as attachments.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBSP): Increases the page limitation for the SBSP from 10 to 15 pages.

This Q&A document significantly impacts bidder proposals by clarifying ambiguities in the original solicitation. It provides specific guidance on technical capabilities, proposal formatting, pricing strategies, and submission requirements, enabling offerors to submit more compliant and competitive proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 04 to the Call for Solutions (C4S) for the U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training, Flight School Next (FSN) Program. It details several changes made to the original solicitation:

• Amendment 1 (09 Dec 2025): Revised submission instructions, order of importance for C4S Instruction 1, presentation format, CSP format, basic price elements, updated Attachment 10 (CBA Maintenance), revised award eligibility, updated Instruction 1, and updated Final Assessment and Selection description.
• Amendment 2 (03 Feb 2026): Revised C4S Attachment 7 (Government Clauses), C4S Attachment 8 (Price Elements), and C4S Instruction 5 (Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal Format).
• Amendment 3 (06 Feb 2026): Revised SOO (See SAM.gov Posting), C4S Instruction 1 (Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process), C4S Instruction 5 (Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal Format), C4S Attachment 7 (Government Clauses), and C4S Attachment 8 (Price Elements).
• Amendment 4 (19 Feb 2026): Revised SOO (See SAM.gov Posting), C4S Instruction 5 (Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal Format), and C4S Attachment 8 (Price Elements).

Multiple sections and attachments have been revised, including:

• Submission Instructions (DOD SAFE)
• C4S Instructions (1, 4, 5)
• Attachments (7, 8, 10)
• Statement of Objectives (SOO)
• Award Guidelines & Eligibility Requirements
• Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

Offerors should review all amendments carefully as they modify submission requirements, proposal formats, evaluation criteria, and specific attachment details. The latest amendment (Amendment 04) was posted on February 19, 2026.

Amendment / Modification

This document, "AMD 04 - SOO FSN Revision 2 02.19.2026.pdf", details changes made to the Statement of Objectives (SOO) for the Flight School Next (FSN) program.

Key modifications include:

• Change 1 (06 FEB 2026): Clarifications within Section 5, "Scope of Problem," regarding core training requirements, the intent of "additional flight technique" training, and guidance for additional optional training, including Night Vision Goggle training.
• Change 2 (06 FEB 2026): Establishment of a maximum training course length of 22 weeks within Section 7, "Operating Constraints."
• Change 3 (19 FEB 2026): Clarification of the notification lead time for annual student throughput requirements. AVCOE provides an estimated requirement 3 years prior to the fiscal year start, which becomes confirmed 1 year prior.
• Change 4 (19 FEB 2026): Removal of pricing language from the SOO for inclusion in the main body of the Call For Solutions pricing instructions.

• Section 5: Scope of Problem
• Section 7: Operating Constraints
• Pricing instructions (referenced in Change 4)

This amendment primarily clarifies existing requirements and removes pricing language from the SOO. It does not appear to directly alter proposal submission deadlines or evaluation factors, but bidders should review the updated SOO for any impact on their proposed approach, particularly regarding training scope and lead times for throughput requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 8 - Basic Price Elements," is an Excel spreadsheet intended to guide bidders in structuring their pricing proposals. It outlines the required price breakdown for various contract years and service types, referencing "C4S Instruction 5" for specific directions on completion.

• Yearly Breakdown: The sheet details pricing elements for Year 1 (Build-Up), Years 2-10 (Transition with Offeror-specified student load), Years 5-10 (with 1250 Annual Student Load), Years 11-26 (with 1250 Annual Student Load and Not-to-Exceed limits for Overhead, G&A, and Profit), and subsequent years.
• Pricing Categories: For each period, bidders must provide prices for 'Overhead,' 'G&A,' and 'Profit.'
• Non-Core Training: Separate sections are included for Non-Core IERW Training Opportunities 1, 2, 3, and 'Etc.,' also requiring breakdown by Price, Overhead, G&A, and Profit.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the required format and components of their price proposal. It specifies how costs should be categorized and presented across the contract's duration, including different phases and potential non-core services. Adherence to this structure is essential for a compliant and evaluable proposal.

Amendment / Modification

This document, Revision 1 - 5 February 2026, details changes made to the Statement of Objectives (SOO) for the Flight School Next (FSN) program.

• Change 1 (Page 3): Clarifies core training requirements, the intent of "additional flight technique" training, and guidance for additional optional training, including Night Vision Goggle training. This change is annotated in blue bolded text.

• Change 2 (Page 6): Establishes a maximum training course length of 22 weeks within Section 7, "Operating Constraints." This change is also annotated in blue bolded text.

• Section 5, "Scope of Problem"

• Section 7, "Operating Constraints"

This amendment does not appear to directly impact proposal submission deadlines or evaluation factors, but it does modify specific training requirements and constraints that bidders must consider in their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 03 to the Call for Solutions (C4S) for the U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training, Flight School Next (FSN) Program.

Key changes made in this amendment include:

• Revision of the Statement of Objectives (SOO) - See SAM.gov Posting.

• Revision of C4S Instruction 1 regarding Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process.

• Revision of C4S Instruction 5 regarding the Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) Format.

• Revision of C4S Attachment 7 - Government Clauses.

• Revision of C4S Attachment 8 - Price Elements.

• Statement of Objectives (SOO)

• C4S Instruction 1: Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

• C4S Instruction 5: Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) Format

• C4S Attachment 7: Government Clauses

• C4S Attachment 8: Price Elements

This amendment modifies evaluation criteria and the format for the Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP), as well as specific attachments. Offerors should review these changes carefully to ensure their submissions align with the updated requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 8 - Price Elements," is an Excel spreadsheet intended to outline the basic price build-up for the opportunity. Bidders are expected to use this structure to detail their proposed pricing.

• Pricing Structure: The sheet breaks down pricing by year, including specific line items for Overhead, General & Administrative (G&A), and Profit.
• Years Covered: Pricing is requested for Transition Year 1, Transition Year 2 / Full Operation Year, Transition Year 3 / Full Operation Year, Transition Year 4 / Full Operation Year, Year 6 through Year 10, and then in multi-year blocks (Years 11-15, Years 16-20, Years 21-26).
• Optional Training: Pricing is also requested for several optional training opportunities.
• Fields: Columns include 'YEAR', 'Description', '%', '$', and 'Price ($)'.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the required format for submitting their pricing proposals. It dictates how costs, overhead, G&A, and profit should be itemized and presented for each contract year and for optional items. Failure to adhere to this structure may impact proposal evaluation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Flight School Next (FSN) Call for Solutions (C4S), clarifying requirements, submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria across various phases of the acquisition process.

• Radio Communication Requirements: The government clarified that "simultaneous" reception across UHF-AM, VHF-AM, and VHF-FM bands is required for each pilot, with transmission on one selected frequency at a time. Solutions offering greater capability are permissible.
• Formatting and Page Limits: Cover pages and tables of contents are excluded from page limits. Specific font, spacing, and margin requirements are detailed, with exceptions for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams, but these exceptions cannot be used to circumvent page limits.
• Submission Deadlines: Phase II presentation materials are due on January 16, 2026, at 1200 hrs CST, concurrently with written content. The Phase III response due date will be communicated via Phase II Selection Notice Letters.
• Contractor-Owned Facilities: Offerors are not required to provide contractor-owned facilities unless specified, but proposing them is not restricted.
• PWS Requirements (Phase II): The government is not expecting a detailed PWS at Phase II, but rather a high-level approach to the PWS framework and requirements.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBSP): The SBSP is considered a volume but should be submitted as a standalone file/attachment.
• Optional Training Opportunities: The Army is interested in advantageous optional training opportunities beyond the SOO scope and requires associated costs to be detailed.
• Pricing: Offerors are encouraged to present any pricing solutions that provide the best value. Proprietary elements may be included in the pricing narrative if appropriately marked. The government intends to negotiate all pricing and establish optional periods of performance.

These clarifications address potential ambiguities in the solicitation, providing vendors with a clearer understanding of technical requirements, submission procedures, evaluation criteria, and contractual expectations, enabling more accurate and competitive proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 02 to the Call for Solutions (C4S) for the U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training, Flight School Next (FSN) Program.

Key changes introduced by Amendment 02 include:

• Revision of C4S Attachment 7 - Government Clauses.
• Revision of C4S Attachment 8 – Price Elements.
• Revision of C4S Instruction 5 - Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) Format.

Amendment 01 included changes such as revised submission instructions, updated attachment details, revised award eligibility requirements, and updated assessment descriptions.

• C4S Attachment 7: Government Clauses
• C4S Attachment 8: Price Elements
• C4S Instruction 5: Phase III Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) Format

This amendment modifies specific attachments and instructions related to the Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP) format. Offerors should review these changes carefully to ensure their submissions comply with the updated requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 01 to the Call for Solutions (C4S) for the U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training (Flight School Next - FSN) program. The amendment makes the following nine changes:

1. Revised DOD SAFE Submission instructions.
2. Included order of importance to C4S Instruction 1, Section 7.
3. Revised Instruction 4 – Presentation Format, Section 2.
4. Revised Instruction 5 – CSP Format, Section 2.
5. Revised Attachment 8 – Basic Price Elements.
6. Updated Attachment 10 – CBA Maintenance to include Job Descriptions.
7. Revised award eligibility requirements.
8. Updated Instruction 1 – Paragraph 4.
9. Updated Final Assessment and Selection description.

• DOD SAFE Submission instructions
• C4S Instruction 1, Section 7
• C4S Instruction 4, Section 2
• C4S Instruction 5, Section 2
• Attachment 8 (Basic Price Elements)
• Attachment 10 (CBA Maintenance)
• Award eligibility requirements
• Instruction 1, Paragraph 4
• Final Assessment and Selection description

This amendment modifies submission instructions and award eligibility requirements. Offerors should review the updated sections carefully to ensure compliance with the revised requirements and deadlines.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

To procure a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) turnkey solution for U.S. Army Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to train between 800 and 1500 Army Aviators annually.

• Provide contractor-owned aircraft, aircraft parts, maintenance, academic instruction, flight instruction, and Training Aids Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS).

• Train aviators to be proficient in foundational topics and flight tasks according to established standards, applying aircrew coordination principles.

• Graduates must be proficient in terrain flight, terrain flight navigation, and tactical flight mission planning, and familiar with multi-aircraft and night operations.

• Contractor-provided technical publications must align with U.S. Army standards for advanced aircraft (AH-64E, UH-60M, CH-47F).

• Minimum of 131 flight hours per student.

• Minimum of 10 flight hours of solo flight, with at least 3 hours as the sole occupant.

• Solutions should incorporate innovative training techniques and flexibility to adapt to evolving Army Aviation tactics.

• Program Management: Transition services (onboarding staff, acquiring aircraft, preparing facilities), on-site management, insurance, and establishing codes of conduct.

• Training Requirements: Train approximately 1,250 students annually, with flexibility for +/- 250 students. Capability to train Foreign Military Students (FMS) and accommodate a 7% student setback rate. Supplemental training aids (e.g., VR) may be used but will not reduce required flight hours. Additional 15 flight hours per cohort for remedial training. Develop training material (ATM, CMP) in cooperation with AVCOE, subject to review and approval. Use the Graduate/Training Integration Management System (G/TIMS) / Aviation Resource Training System (ARTS).

• Helicopter Requirements: Single main rotor, counterclockwise rotation, turbine engine, FAA airworthiness certification (14 CFR Part 27), compatible communication systems, Mode S Transponder and ADS-B, capable of night operations (NVG compatibility desired).

• Personnel Requirements: Tactical Flight Training Phase instructors must have specific flight experience. Provide initial aircraft qualification training.

• Maintenance Requirements: Perform maintenance per OEM specifications and FAA requirements. Adhere to environmental requirements. Recover aircraft not reaching their destination.

• Place of Performance: Fort Rucker, Alabama, and surrounding military facilities.

• Transition Plan: A one-year build-up period is planned. Phased throughput milestones: 25% after 1 year, 50% after 2 years, 75% after 3 years, and 100% after 4 years.

• Air traffic control (ATC), fire prevention and crash rescue services, MEDEVAC services, and F-24 Jet A aviation fuel at AVCOE airfields.

• Maintenance hangar space, ramp parking, parts storage, training areas, office space, and academic classrooms.

• Limited Government Furnished Property (GFP) including office furniture and equipment.

• SOO Attachment 1: Academic Topics and Flight Task List

• SOO Attachment 2: Facility Guide and Transition Plan

• SOO Attachment 3: Example AVCOE FY26 Holiday and DONSA Memo

• SOO Attachment 4: Supplemental Operating Procedures and Guidance

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 – Supplemental Operating Procedures and Guidance," clarifies applicable U.S. Army and Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) regulations for the Flight School Next (FSN) program at Fort Rucker, AL. It supplements main contract documents by identifying specific regulatory requirements for the FSN contractor. Conflicts should be resolved via the SAM.gov RFI process.

• Applicable Regulations: The supplement is divided into three sections:
  • Section I: Lists regulations fully applicable to the FSN contractor, including AR 40-8 (Temporary Flying Restrictions) and USAACE Regulation 115-1 (Climatic, Hydrological, and Topographic Services). This covers weather product access, briefing procedures, emergency actions, and severe weather responsibilities.
  • Section II: Details regulations where most topics apply, with specific applicable/non-applicable areas noted. This includes USAACE Regulation 95-2 (Directory of Aviation Training Facilities and Procedures) concerning airspace, SOPs, refueling, and maintenance forms.
  • Section III: Provides direct excerpts from applicable regulations, such as AVCOE Regulation 350-16 (Uniform Flight Grading System), USAACE Regulations 350-15 (Academic Criterion-Referenced Testing), 350-20 (Resident Student Administration), and 350-70 (Training Development).
• Additional Referenced Regulations: Other key regulations and procedures include:
  • USAACE Regulation 350-3 (Operation Procedures for Scheduling Training and Support): Contractor coordination of resources and student schedule changes.
  • AR 95-1 (Flight Regulations): Army aircraft operations, flight rules, and crew requirements.
  • USAACE 95-1 (Flight Regulations): Specific flight operations at Fort Rucker.
  • USAACE 600-1, Paragraph 15 (Improper Relationships): Prohibited relationships in training environments.
  • USAACE Regulation 350-4 (Directory of Aviation Training Facilities and Procedures): Management of AVCOE-provided classrooms.
  • 110th Aviation Brigade SOP: Safety committees, publication standardization, AIRF access, EFB usage, weather requirements, and VFR training minimums.
• Operational Procedures:
  • Definitions: Clarifies terms like Duty Day, Rest Periods, and Flying Hour Limitations.
  • Crew Endurance Policy: Standard 12-hour Duty Day, extendable to 16 hours with commander approval, requiring reset periods.
  • Terrain Flight Hazards: Procedures for hazard identification, avoidance, and prevention of wire strikes during low-altitude flight.
  • Mishap Reporting: Procedures for aborted takeoffs, pilot-in-command responsibilities, and reporting to Cairns Crash Control (CCC).
  • Airfield Procedures: Protocols for Cairns Army Airfield and Shell Army Heliport, including communications and weather response.
  • Accident/Mishap Response: Immediate notification, securing scenes, and handling personnel effects.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the comprehensive regulatory and operational framework for the FSN program. It defines specific compliance requirements for flight operations, training, safety, scheduling, crew rest, hazard management, and mishap reporting. Adherence to these detailed procedures and referenced regulations is essential for developing a compliant proposal and successful contract execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1 - Academic Topics and Flight Task List," outlines the academic subjects and flight tasks required for a training program, likely related to Army Aviation. It serves as a reference for understanding the scope of knowledge and practical skills expected of students.

Academic Topics and Required Aeronautical Knowledge:

• Covers regulations, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, operating limitations, emergency procedures, flight planning (VFR/IFR), aviation weather, performance planning, weight and balance, aeromedical factors, instrument flight fundamentals, and navigation (IFR, GPS/WAAS).
• Includes specific topics like spatial disorientation, autorotation, tactical flight mission planning, and night vision techniques.

Flight Task List:

• Details specific flight tasks categorized by training phase (Primary, Instrument, Tactical Flight Training).
• Includes tasks such as VMC/IMC takeoffs and approaches, autorotations, instrument maneuvers, tactical flight operations (terrain flight, NOE), and emergency procedures.
• Specifies requirements for aircraft certification (IFR) and instructor experience for certain tasks.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the comprehensive training curriculum. It defines the expected knowledge base and practical flight proficiencies that a training solution must cover. Bidders should ensure their proposed training program aligns with or exceeds these academic topics and flight task requirements, including the specified training phases and evaluation standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Flight School Next Facility Guide and Transition Plan," provides detailed information on government-provided facilities available for the Flight School Next (FSN) program. It outlines facility allocations during the transition years and once the program achieves Full Operational Capability (FOC).

• Transition Plan: Details the phased assumption of facilities by the FSN contractor, including specific milestones and the cumulative nature of facility access.
• Facility Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of government-furnished facilities at Cairns Army Airfield and Shell Army Heliport, including hangars, office spaces, wash racks, storage, motorpools, and maintenance shelters. Each facility's purpose and key features are described.
• Airfields and RTs: Identifies basefields, stagefields, DLA contracted refuel locations, and Remote Training Sites (RTs) relevant to the training program.
• Building Information and Diagrams: Includes aerial views and floor plans for various buildings, detailing their layout, dimensions, and intended use.
• Classroom Capabilities: Details specific classroom facilities, including seating capacity, equipment (CPUs, projectors, smart boards), Wi-Fi/Ethernet availability, and instructor podium features.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical infrastructure and facilities that will be available for the execution of the Flight School Next program. It informs decisions regarding the use of government-provided versus contractor-owned facilities, potential modifications, and the logistical considerations for student training and operations. Bidders must assess how their proposed solution will utilize these facilities and account for any limitations or transition periods described.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the official holiday observances, Days of No Scheduled Activities (DONSA), and Training Holidays for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) and Fort Rucker for Fiscal Year 2026. It serves as a reference for planning and scheduling.

• Public Holiday Observances: Lists specific dates and the corresponding federal holidays (e.g., Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Christmas Day, Independence Day).
• Days of No Scheduled Activities (DONSA): Identifies specific dates designated as non-operational days, often falling adjacent to holidays (e.g., Friday after Thanksgiving, Friday after Christmas).
• Training Holidays: Specifies dates that may be observed as training holidays, with units expected to facilitate observance while maintaining readiness.
• AVCOE Holiday Season: Defines the period from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, noting that offices will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, with potential for reduced staffing based on mission requirements.
• IERW Optimization Training: Designates specific Saturdays as training days for IERW Common Core classes, with a notification process for aircraft/simulator availability.

While this document primarily concerns internal scheduling for AVCOE and Fort Rucker, bidders should note the defined holiday periods and potential operational impacts. Specifically, the designated DONSA and the AVCOE holiday season (December 20, 2025 - January 3, 2026) may affect government availability for communication, meetings, or contract-related activities during those times. The designated training Saturdays for IERW Optimization may also indicate periods of heightened activity or specific training focus.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding the Flight School Next (FSN) program. It clarifies requirements, submission details, and program aspects.

• Aircraft Requirements: The government is evaluating dual-engine aircraft solutions and GOCO (Government Owned, Contractor Operated) as potential options. Specific anti-icing requirements will be clarified in the final Call for Solutions. Piston aircraft are not being considered due to safety and logistical concerns.
• Submission Details: The Phase 1 Solution Brief is limited to 5 pages (excluding title page), and quad charts are limited to 1 page. The submission deadline for Phase 1 is October 31, 2025. Updates to the solicitation documents are ongoing.
• Contracting & Evaluation: The FSN program is a new approach, not a direct recompete. The government is evaluating the use of a Ground Flight Risk Clause (GFRC). The contract will likely be Contractor-Owned/Contractor-Operated (COCO). The Service Contract Act will apply.
• Training & Operations: The government is open to innovative training programs and phasing. Flight training will occur at Cairns and Shell AHPs within Fort Rucker's local training area. The government will provide student laptops for use on government systems.
• Site Visits & Industry Days: Information regarding site visits and industry days has been provided, including dates and registration requirements. Attendance at the pre-proposal conference will be in-person only.

This Q&A document clarifies numerous aspects of the solicitation, including aircraft capabilities, submission formats, evaluation criteria, and operational requirements. Offerors should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals align with the government's expectations. Key dates and document revisions are also highlighted.