Sources Sought for Boeing 747-8 Initial and Recurrent Pilot Qualification Training
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a Sources Sought / Market Survey to identify qualified sources capable of providing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Boeing 747-8 Initial and Recurrent Pilot Qualification Training. This training is for FAA Flight Standards Operations Inspectors and Aircraft Certification Flight Test Pilots. The purpose is to gather information to determine the nature of competition, including potential set-asides for small businesses. Responses are due by February 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for Initial and Recurrent Ground School, Flight Training Device (FTD), and Full Flight Simulator (FFS) training for FAA personnel on the Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Key requirements include:
- Training must meet FAA formal flight training standards and result in agency-level course numbers.
- Contractor must provide current course student materials annually and updated materials with change summaries.
- Training must use an FAA-approved training program.
- Initial qualification training must allow unrestricted initial type rating training and checking in a simulator, meeting 14 CFR Part 61.64.
- Full Flight Simulators must be FAA-approved Level C or higher; FTDs can be Level 6 or 7.
- Differences training is required for variant aircraft configurations (all-cargo vs. passenger).
- Contractor is responsible for arranging FAA inspector-administered checks and providing necessary resources.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Survey
- NAICS: 611512 Flight Training (Size Standard: $34 million)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine potential small business, SDVOSB, 8(a) set-asides)
- Response Due: February 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT
- Published: January 15, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors must submit the following via email to shelley.howard@faa.gov:
- Capability Statement: Identify type of training provided (for each aircraft and previous contracts with detailed information/past performance), SAM UEI number, and number of years in business.
- Geographic area where training will be provided.
- Expected approach for accomplishing the work.
Additional Notes
This is for informational purposes only and is not a Screening Information Request or Request for Proposals. The FAA will not pay for any information received. Firms which are SBA 8(a) certified are required to submit a copy of their certification letter. All questions must be emailed to the contract specialist.