KC-46 Aircrew Training Systems Request for Information (RFI) Janurary 2026

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, specifically AFLCMC WNSK SIMS, is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the KC-46 Aircrew Training System (ATS). This RFI seeks industry capabilities for providing full contract support for an interim period of up to 16 months, starting January 1, 2027, to bridge the gap between current and future competitive contracts. The goal is to ensure seamless continuation of training operations. Responses are due by January 23, 2026.

Scope of Work

• Provide Full Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for all training devices and support equipment, targeting a 98% availability standard.
• Operate and staff the Training System Support Center (TSSC) at Altus AFB and the Equipment Support Center (ESC) at McConnell AFB.
• Manage system and courseware concurrency with the KC-46 aircraft.
• Deliver instructional services and scheduling.
• Sustain cybersecurity requirements and Authorizations to Operate (ATO).
• Manage Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and obsolescence.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
• Duration: Up to 16 months, beginning January 1, 2027 (interim support)
• Set-Aside: None specified (for market research; future follow-on contract planned for full and open competition)
• Response Due: January 23, 2026, by 1200 EST
• Published: January 15, 2026
• Place of Performance: S Coffeyville, OK (primary office location, specific performance locations include Altus AFB and McConnell AFB)

Submission & Evaluation

• Responses must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or PDF format, limited to 15 pages.
• Submissions should detail plans for transition and stand-up capability, technical performance and data rights mitigation, program and schedule management, and risk assessment.
• A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate is required.
• This RFI is for planning and market research; the government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI and will not pay for information submitted.

Additional Notes

• The KC-46 program is in Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) with incomplete requirements and an unestablished software baseline.
• The Technical Data Package (TDP) is incomplete and may contain proprietary data, potentially un-releasable. Respondents must assume a complete, Government-owned TDP will not be available.
• Vendors must describe their approach to collaborating with OEMs and data rights holders for technical information and issue resolution.