The Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) is conducting market research to determine whether capable sources are available to perform non-personal training services in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) MQ-9A Training. The FMS MQ-9A training support services sought includes management, courseware development and delivery with government purpose rights, and remote pilot aircrew training. The place of performance will include international sites (to be determined) with training to be conducted on Partner Nation Air Force (PNAF) equipment. The requirement is projected as an initial undetermined ordering period with a period of performance to start on or about 1 Oct 2025.
This Sources Sought Notice/Request for Information (RFI) is issued and intended for market research and planning purposes only. The information obtained in response to this RFI will be used to help locate and identify qualified, experienced, interested potential sources, and attain a better understanding of the MQ-9A global footprint. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). It is not to be construed as a formal solicitation or an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. The information requested by this RFI will be used by the Air Force Multi-Functional Team (MFT) to facilitate decision making. Any information provided to the government is strictly voluntary and must be provided at no cost to the government. The government will not reimburse vendors for any capability package preparation nor briefing costs. For purposes of this RFI, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611512 – Flight Training, Small Business Size Standard is $34M.
Note: The United States Government (USG) is specifically requesting information by vendors regarding their capability to perform training, individually and/or jointly, on MQ-9A. Previously, the government had requested information to understand industry capabilities for the MQ-9A and/or MQ-9B. Based upon market research, in addition to statutory and regulatory guidance, the government’s current approach is to separate MQ-9B training and focus only on the MQ-9A, specifically Launch and Recovery Training. The government reserves the right to determine the acquisition approach, to include but not limited to whether a small business set-aside or a sole-source for socioeconomic programs authorized by statue would be more appropriate based on responses to this notice. The Government also reserves the right to issue a solicitation to any country requested specific source for any training requirement using an International Agreement for Competitive Restriction (IACR), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 3204(e)(4)(E). Additional information or updates regarding this International MQ-9A Training Support Services requirement will be posted on the General Services Administration, System for Award Management (SAM.gov) https://sam.gov/content/home website. Interested parties are encouraged to check this website regularly for any changes or updates. Interested parties capable of providing any of the training support services sought are instructed to add their information to the Interested list, add this notice to their Following list, and submit a capability statement in response to this RFI: FMS MQ-9A Training Sources Sought Notice.
The primary objective is to provide non-commercial MQ-9A Launch and Recovery Training to USG Allies and Partner Nations. However, the service provider could be required to function as the contracted equivalent of a Formal Training Unit (FTU) by providing the following: MQ-9A aircrew training management; development and delivery (with government purpose rights) MQ-9A courseware necessary for training USG Allies, and Partner Nation MQ-9A air ground support; MQ-9A remote pilot flight training and/or MQ-9A remote pilot flight simulator training. Air and ground support crew on initial, conversion, and possibly mission qualification on the country-specific MQ-9A configuration but not anticipated at this time. Instruction for MQ-9A aircrew will include academic, simulation, and remote pilot flight training on the MQ-9A. The training may include and is not limited to a combination of electronic courseware, classroom academics, aircrew training devices, and remote pilot flight training as described below in the following paragraphs.
1. The service provider may be required to develop, produce, and deliver, with a minimum of government purpose rights, new MQ-9A aircrew courseware and aircrew materials used for instruction of Allied/Partner Nation MQ-9A aircrews. Courseware development requires access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) technical data and/or/Country Specific Technical Orders (CSTOs). Courseware must be compatible with OEM equipment. Changes in technical data may drive future changes.
2. CSTOs deemed necessary for course development may be delivered to the USG and may be available as Government Furnished Information (GFI). If your company has any relationships, agreements or partnerships to allow for accessibility of MQ-9A CSTOs outside of government furnished information, please identify in your response.
3. Government Launch and Recovery Courseware is available for contractor use. If other USAF courseware is available and releasable it will be provided to the contractor.
4. Country-provided equipment, infrastructure and facilities will be available except common instructional equipment not particular to MQ-9A training.
5. As an Air Force training organization, the Government's courseware requirement is to be delivered either as a Special Work for Hire, or a minimum of Government Purpose Rights for each course. Industry is encouraged to identify any alternative approaches in a capability statement and identify any underlying license(s) with an approximate cost savings, per country, for the approach.
The primary need is Launch and Recovery courses. The United States Government reserves the right to add additional training courses as required to facilitate Allied/Partner Nation training on the MQ-9A. However, when answering the survey questions information is requested for all the following.
a. Launch and Recovery Courses, including Instructor Upgrade (Primary)
b. Pilot and Sensor Operator Initial Qualification Courses
c. MIS/Payload Operator Course
d. Pilot and Sensor Operator Instructor Upgrade Courses
6. All actual remote pilot flight operations must meet the requirements of DCMA Instruction 8210.1D (AFI 10-220). The Contractor should demonstrate that it can maintain documentation per DCMA Instruction 8210.1D, paragraphs 4.8.5. and 4.8.7. for all aircrew instructors and will provide to the USG documentation requested at any time during the performance of the training support service.
7. Contractor aircrew instructors: The Contractor should demonstrate that they have the ability to acquire Instructor Pilots and Instructor Sensor Operators, Flying instructors, and Flying training instructors who are previously qualified within three years of currency (last remote pilot flight). Qualified instructors shall have two years of experience as remote pilot flight instructors in either a military or civilian capacity. Aircrew academic and simulator instructors must be fully qualified Instructor Aircrew who have been qualified in MQ-9A operations within four years. Contractor MIS/Payload operator instructors shall have at least two years of experience as MQ-9A MIS/Payload operator instructors. Anticipated instructor requirements, to be addressed in capabilities, include and are not limited to:
a. Launch and Recovery Instructors (Pilot/Sensor Operator) (Primary)
b. MQ-9A Chief Aircrew Instructor (Rated).
c. MQ-9A Instructor Pilot (Rated)
d. MQ-9A Chief Academic/Training Aid/Simulator Instructor
e. MQ-9A Academic / Training Aid/Simulator Instructor
f. MQ-9A Sensor Operator Instructor
g. MIS/Payload Operator Instructor
8. Interested parties can submit a capability statement to include specific technical background information describing their organization's experience and expertise in FMS aircrew training services. However, the industry survey is all that is currently requested focusing specifically on Launch and Recovery Training.
Note 1: Training will be incumbent upon the contractor to secure any required country specific approvals to live and/or work in the partner nation.
Note 2: Instructors are to be qualified on a base model of the MQ-9A of the country requesting training. Differences of partner nation specific aspects shall be provided for courseware development and instructor familiarity. Delta currencies of instructors will be incumbent upon/required of the offeror.
Note 3: The training will be conducted OCONUS on PNAF equipment.
Note 4: The primary training requested is Launch and Recovery.
Industry Survey
General Survey Instructions:
- When citing examples of past performance, please specify your company's specific tasks in the past performance, the contract number, and the government point of contact.
- A draft copy of the potential performance work statement (PWS) has been included in this RFI. When responding to the survey please reference the PWS as you provide answers to the questions. Understand that the primary course required is the Launch and Recovery course, however, other courses could be added if deemed necessary by the USG.
1. Company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, e-mail address, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, and SAM Unique Entity ID, place of incorporation and training locations (especially if commercially available training);
2. Approximate annual gross revenue;
3. Business size (Other than Small Business or Small Business);
4. If you indicated your business size as “small business”, if applicable, specify small business socioeconomic program status – [Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a)-certified small, disadvantaged business, historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) small business, veteran-owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), woman-owned small business (WOSB)];
5. Provide NAICS code(s) your company usually performs similar services under;
6. Based on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), please describe your company's proposed plan to execute the specified requirements. Additionally, detail your company's specific role in the performance of the MQ-9A training services being sought.
7. Does your company plan to team or partner with another company, institution, or group? If so, please provide detailed information on your plan and explain how you will ensure the effectiveness and stability of the arrangement throughout the period of performance.
8. If you indicated your company’s role as "Prime Contractor" please provide information demonstrating the capability to mobilize and manage internationally, and finance the support service sought;
9. If you indicated your company’s role as "Subcontractor", please indicate which functional areas you intend to cover;
10. What is your organization's experience in providing MQ-9A aircrew training, particularly in an overseas context?
11. Can you provide examples of similar training programs you have successfully implemented, including any relevant case studies or references?
12. Provide information on any commercial or Government sector MQ-9A services your organization has performed that are similar to the MQ-9A Training service sought;
13. Describe your company’s expertise/experience in maintaining documentation per DCMA Instruction 8210.1C for all aircrew instructors and how it is provided to the USG;
14. Describe your company’s capability to provide expertise in MQ-9A courseware development, production and ability to deliver such courseware with Government Purpose rights or describe an alternative approach which identifies any cost savings along with any required underlying license(s);
15. Provide a plan to develop MQ-9A Aircrew Training Academic Courseware. Note: Benchmark timelines for courseware development are critically important to training mobilization;
16. How do you tailor your training programs to meet the specific needs and requirements of different aircrews and operational contexts? Can you provide examples of how you have customized training programs for different clients or mission profiles?;
17. Provide a plan to recruit and employ Classified Secret-eligible, trained and qualified MQ-9A variant instructors IAW the draft PWS. [Note: There may be restrictions on mobilization locations of instructors that currently hold an Armed Forces Commission and/or under a current enlistment in any branch of service];
18. Explain your organization’s understanding of export control laws (third party transfer/technical assistance agreements), the business acumen, etiquette, culture, practices of conducting business internationally. Elaborate on the trade regulations, customs, standards, agreements, labor laws, Visa requirements, transportation, lodging, tariffs (value-added tax) and other unique circumstances affecting a service provider’s ability to perform the support services sought internationally;
19. Describe your company’s expertise/experience in mobilizing personnel to foreign nations for short (2-4 Months), moderate (4-8 months), and extended periods (8-12 months) of time with minimal-to-minimal assistance of the USG;
20. Provide recommended type of contract and rationale. Provide capability to support the recommendation with performance starting 1 Oct 2025;
21. Provide the minimum period of performance your company is able to support in the event a requirement or funding is limited, and services are purchased for a shorter period of performance (For example: the contract only provides funding for six months of service);
22. Provide confirmation whether your company can provide all services or any service. Provide rationale for capability to provide all required services or capability to provide any service identified. What documentation and evidence can you provide to support your claims of expertise and success in these areas?
23. What additional services or benefits do you offer that enhance the overall value of your training programs (e.g. ongoing support, performance monitoring, continuous improvement)?
24. Provide any comments, concerns or questions regarding the draft PWS provided. (Answers to questions will only be provided if germane to answering of survey questions)
25. Provide a list of assumptions regarding your company’s submission.
Please limit the capability statement to no more than 25 single-sided, type-written pages using font size 12. Extravagant formatting is not required nor desired. Paragraph numbering to coincide with the above requested information is preferred.
Any questions regarding this posting must be submitted via email as soon as possible but no later than noon CST on 22 Nov 2024. Questions containing proprietary information must be identified to prevent release to the public via posting on the General Services Administration System for Award Management (SAM.gov) https://sam.gov/content/home website. Please do not call the contracting office for information; email questions to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion and help eliminate duplicate questions.
The primary point of contact for this RFI is Gerardo Martinez. Contact with other Government personnel regarding this RFI is not permitted. If your organization is capable of providing the training support service described above, please electronically submit the requested information by the specified due dates to Gerardo Martinez via email: gerardo.martinez@us.af.mil (Courtesy copy Luis Camaraza via email: luis.camaraza@us.af.mil).
Attachments:
- FMS MQ-9A DRAFT PWS
Information requested due dates and timeline:
Questions: 22 Nov 2024
Answers to questions: 13 Dec 2024
Survey Response: 8 Jan 2025
