Helicopter training for 6 NASA pilots.
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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Shared Services Center (NSSC), intends to issue a sole source contract to Bell Textron Inc. for helicopter training for 6 NASA pilots. This training is crucial for re-establishing pilot proficiency and preparing for critical missions like Artemis 3. Interested organizations may submit capabilities by April 21, 2026.
Scope of Work
NASA requires on-demand initial and specialized risk-mitigating flight training for helicopter pilots from the Astronaut Office (CB) and Aircraft Operations Division (AOD). The training, to be conducted at Bell Academy in Dallas, Texas, will focus on:
- Re-establishing proficiency, particularly in autorotation (energy management) for helicopter Pilots in Command (PIC).
- Meeting NASA syllabus demands for preparing the corps for lunar surface return.
- Single-engine helicopter operations, emphasizing safe recovery during engine failure.
- In-depth review of aircraft operations, vital for NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) helicopters.
- Utilization of FAA-rated Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) for emergency simulations and procedural practice.
- Ensuring astronaut and CB/AOD staff helicopter pilots are current to minimize delays to critical programs like HLS and Artemis 3 crew training.
- Training is required for PICs whose qualifications have lapsed or were granted on different helicopters.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Intent to Sole Source)
- Contract Vehicle: Intent to acquire services using FAR Part 12 for Commercial items.
- NAICS Code: 513210
- Place of Performance: Training at Bell Academy in Dallas, TX. Pilots are from NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).
- Response Due: April 21, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published Date: April 16, 2026.
Eligibility & Submission
This notice indicates an intent to issue a sole source contract to Bell Textron Inc. However, interested organizations are invited to submit capabilities and qualifications in writing. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be competed on a full and open basis, with the decision to compete remaining at the government's discretion. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Additional Notes
NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. Primary Point of Contact: Cara Craft, Procurement Specialist II (cara.s.craft@nasa.gov).