Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) Assembly Hardware for F-22 Virtual Combat Simulator (VACS)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation FA282326Q0017, dated 09 Mar 2026.

• Line Item 0001: The description for CLIN 0001 has been changed from "F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Desktop Stick" to "F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Stick". The quantity has been reduced from 16,000 to 1, resulting in a decrease of $15,999.

• Line Item 0002: The description for CLIN 0002 has been changed from "F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Throttle" to "F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Desktop Throttle". The quantity has been reduced from 19,000 to 1, resulting in a decrease of $18,999.

• Line Item 0001 (Description and Quantity)

• Line Item 0002 (Description and Quantity)

This amendment does not explicitly state a change to the proposal deadline. However, bidders should note the revised quantities and descriptions for Line Items 0001 and 0002, which may impact pricing and technical proposals.

Statement of Need (SON) / Solicitation

To acquire a representative Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) hardware unit to enhance the realism and efficiency of F-22 Virtual Air Combat Simulator (VACS) training. This will allow users to input aircraft movements and commands with high precision and zero latency, mimicking the experience of an actual F-22 pilot, thereby reducing risk during Phase Testing of F-22 Mission Data.

Procurement of one (1) HOTAS unit.

• HOTAS ASSEMBLY – DESKTOP STICK – F22 (Part Number: 20B120889-1001), Quantity: 1

• HOTAS ASSEMBLY – DESKTOP THROTTLE – F22 (Part Number: 20B120890-1001), Quantity: 1

• This is a SINGLE SOURCE purchase.

• Delivery Date: Request is for this item to be delivered ASAP.

• The document is a Memorandum for AFTC/PZIOA from 36 EWS/SWS, dated 9 FEB 2026.

• The document is titled "Technical Requirements Document/Statement of Need (SON) for Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) Hardware Unit."

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Single Source Justification for the procurement of F-22 HOTAS Hardware. The 36th EWS SWD Flight requires an additional unit for their Virtual Air Combat Simulator (VACS) to enhance realistic F-22 mission data training and reduce risk in phase testing. The VACS uses "real" controls to emulate F-22 scenarios, and current simulation methods are inefficient.

• One (1) HOTAS ASSEMBLY - DESKTOP STICK - F22 (P/N: 20B120889-1001)

• One (1) HOTAS ASSEMBLY - DESKTOP THROTTLE - F22 (P/N: 20B120890-1001)

• The hardware must be the specific F-22 HOTAS unit approved for the program's Authority to Operate (ATO) in Room 303K.

• The document does not specify contract type, period of performance, or estimated value, but it is a simplified acquisition.

• This document is a justification for a single-source procurement, not a solicitation for proposals.

• Not applicable, as this is a sole-source justification.

• Market research indicated only one SAM.gov registered vendor could provide the requested item.

• Future procurements will involve updated market research to assess competition.

• Contracting will re-verify the sole-approved model with the end user for future acquisitions.

Notice of Intent (NOI) / Sole Source Justification

This document serves as a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole source, Firm-Fixed Price contract to BUGEYE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for F-22 Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) assembly hardware. The anticipated award date is March 27, 2026.

• Purchase of F-22 Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) assembly hardware.

  • CLIN 0001: F-22 HOTAS Hardware – Desktop Stick / QTY: 1
  • CLIN 0002: F-22 HOTAS Hardware – Desktop Throttle / QTY: 1

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price

• Anticipated Award Date: March 27, 2026

• This is NOT a Request for Proposals or Quotations. No solicitation package will be issued.

• Information received will be considered solely for determining if a competitive procurement is in the Government's best interest.

• Responses are due by 3:00 pm CST on March 23, 2026.

• All submitted information should demonstrate the offeror's capability to provide the required items.

• Responses must be in writing, clear, and concise.

• Verbal responses are not acceptable.

• Questions should be submitted electronically to 1st Lt Brooke Socolofsky at: brooke.socolofsky@us.af.mil.

• Sole Source justification is based on 41 USC 1901, as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

• Applicable NAICS Code: 333310

• Size Standard: 1,000 employees

• The Government reserves the right to not compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice.

• Information submitted is at no cost or obligation to the Government.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA282326Q0017) is for the procurement of AD / HOTAS Assembly Hardware SMT 26892, specifically for the F-22 aircraft. The hardware is intended for use with a Virtual Air Combat Simulator (VACS) system.

• CLIN 0001: F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Stick (Quantity: 16,000 Each)

• CLIN 0002: F-22 HOTAS Hardware - Throttle (Quantity: 19,000 Each)

• Product Service Code: 2590

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price

• The hardware is for use with the VACS SMT26892 system for 350SWW/350SWG/36EWS.

• Solicitation Issue Date: 09 Mar 2026

• Offer Due Date: 23 Mar 2026, 01:00 PM

• The document incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference.

• DFARS clauses are also incorporated by reference and in full text.

• Offerors must complete blocks 12, 17, 23, and 30.

• Payment requests and receiving reports are to be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Evaluation factors for award are not detailed in the provided pages, but the document references "Evaluation Factors for Award" on page 28.

• The acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• Specific small business categories indicated include Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).

• NAICS Code: 333310, Size Standard: 1000.

• The document includes extensive contract clauses, including FAR and DFARS, related to payment, invoicing, unique item identification, representations, and certifications.

• Attachments include a "Statement of Need" and "Quote" template, both dated 05 Mar 2026.