Call for Solutions - Flight School Next (FSN)

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.