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*EXTENDED to 9 Oct 2026* USAF TPS Qualitative Evaluation Flight Training Multiple Award BPA 3 for T-2 Buckeye, A-4 Skyhawk, Daher Kodiak, Cirrus Vision Jet, Noorduyn Norseman, Systems Platform Aircraft, Lighter-Than-Air, and Jet Glider Services

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE TEST CENTER.FA9304 AFTC PZZ · Response deadline: Thu, 08 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Air Force Test Center is seeking qualified vendors to provide qualitative evaluation flight training across a diverse portfolio of aircraft types. This Multiple Award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) covers training for nine distinct aircraft categories: the T-2 Buckeye, A-4 Skyhawk, Daher Kodiak, Cirrus Vision Jet, Noorduyn Norseman, Systems Platform Aircraft, Lighter-Than-Air craft, and Jet Glider systems.

Flight training for test pilots is a specialized discipline that prepares experienced aviators to evaluate aircraft handling qualities, performance characteristics, and flight envelope boundaries. Qualitative evaluation training typically includes instruction in aircraft-specific systems, emergency procedures, and standardized evaluation methodologies used in flight test programs. Test Pilot School (TPS) training demands instructors with extensive test pilot experience and relevant aircraft type ratings.

The BPA structure allows the government to establish pre-qualified pools of vendors who can then compete for individual task orders. This vehicle supports the Air Force Test Center's operations at Edwards Air Force Base, a premier flight test facility.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100 percent set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 611512 — Flight Training. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this industry and be registered in SAM.gov as a small business.

Flight training under NAICS 611512 encompasses instruction in piloting aircraft, typically for certification or specialized skill development. The small business size standard for this NAICS code generally depends on average annual receipts; see the solicitation for exact thresholds and any applicable exceptions.

Given the highly specialized nature of test pilot training, eligible bidders should expect to demonstrate: qualified instructor pilots with applicable aircraft type ratings and test pilot credentials; access to the specified aircraft or approved training equivalents; and experience with military or experimental flight test programs. Veterans Affairs programs or mentor-protégé arrangements may help firms build requisite qualifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

Demonstrate aircraft-specific capability. The solicitation lists nine distinct aircraft categories spanning vintage military jets (T-2, A-4), modern turboprops (Kodiak, Norseman), very light jets (Vision Jet), and unconventional platforms (lighter-than-air, jet gliders). Detail your inventory access, maintenance programs, and instructor qualifications for each category you intend to bid. The government may allow partial capability; see the solicitation for coverage requirements.

Highlight test pilot credentials. TPS qualitative evaluation requires instructors who understand military flight test doctrine. Document your instructors' test pilot school graduate status, military flight test experience, and currency in qualitative evaluation techniques.

Address safety and airworthiness. Many listed aircraft are out-of-production or experimental. Explain your approach to maintaining airworthiness, obtaining military flight releases, and managing risk in flight test training environments.

Structure for BPA flexibility. Multiple Award BPAs emphasize competitive pricing and rapid task order turnaround. Propose labor rates, aircraft hourly rates, and standby availability terms that enable quick response to emerging training requirements.

Leverage small business advantages. As a total small business set-aside, emphasize your agility, direct access to decision-makers, and any节约了 advantages compared to large defense contractors.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number A068521. The response deadline has been extended to October 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM Pacific Time.

Confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and your small business representation is current. Review the detailed aircraft requirements, evaluation factors, and BPA ordering procedures in the full document. Given the technical complexity and compressed timeline from posting to deadline, prioritize understanding mandatory qualification requirements and submission format before drafting your proposal.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →