Sources Sought for Safety Inspectors COMPOSITE AWARENESS TRAINING

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide existing Composite Awareness training to FAA Airworthiness and manufacturing inspectors. The training aims to ensure qualified, proficient, and current inspectors are capable of conducting surveillance, testing, and checking functions related to composite aircraft structures.

• Training content includes composite material selection and storage, non-destructive testing and inspection methods, damage assessment, fabrication procedures for composite aircraft structures, and hands-on training.

• The provider can be an accredited learning institution, manufacturer, certified repair station, or consultant with relevant experience.

• Training can be delivered through standard public courses, courses offered to other government agencies, or courses specifically for FAA inspectors.

• Estimated course duration is a minimum of 32 hours.

• Class size should not exceed 12 students, with up to 10 classes offered per year.

• Tuition cost is per class; FAA covers all travel and per diem costs.

• Technical training must meet requirements of the Current Consolidated Appropriations Act, ensuring it addresses identified needs for knowledge, skills, and abilities directly related to official duties.

• Training must not induce high levels of emotional response or psychological stress, nor contain elements related to religious or "new age" belief systems, or be offensive.

• Prior learner notification of content and methods, and written end-of-course evaluation are required.

• Training facilities must be brick-and-mortar, located in the United States, and preferably within 25 miles of a major airport.

• Training should generally be conducted Monday through Friday, avoiding federal holidays and weekends.

• Facility Requirements: Classrooms must accommodate students and an observer, be well-lit, adequately ventilated, heated/cooled, and have sanitary restrooms. Ambient noise levels must be controlled. Safety standards must be met. Local environmental distractions must be eliminated. Adequate parking is required. Internet access and printers must be available for student use.

• Instructor Requirements: Instructors must have at least three years of experience in composite aircraft structure maintenance and repair training, experience with Original Equipment Manufacturer Structural Repair Manuals, and experience with hazardous materials handling. At least one instructor must hold an FAA Airframe or Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate.

• Delivery Method: Instructor-led classroom training is preferred. Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) or Virtual Training is permissible under specific conditions (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic) with government concurrence and adherence to specific requirements.

• Reporting: Contractors must provide student rosters, notify COR of non-attendance, issue Certificates of Completion upon successful training, and furnish a report with final grades, attendance, and comments within two weeks of class completion.

• Training Objectives: Inspectors need basic awareness of composite material selection, storage, fabrication/repair procedures, testing/inspection methods, and governing regulations/advisory circulars.