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Initial and Recurrent Ground School and Simulator Training on Airbus A-330

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF.FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.6973GH FRANCHISE ACQUISITION SVCS · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking contractors to provide Initial and Recurrent Ground School and Simulator Training on Airbus A-330 aircraft. This is flight crew training work focused on one of the most widely used wide-body commercial jets in global aviation.

NAICS code 611512 identifies this as Flight Training — an industry category covering schools and services that train pilots and other aircraft operators using classroom instruction, simulator equipment, and related curricula. Ground school covers aircraft systems, regulations, procedures, and emergency protocols in a classroom setting. Simulator training puts crews through realistic flight scenarios in full-motion or fixed-base devices without leaving the ground. "Initial" training qualifies pilots new to the A-330 type; "recurrent" training keeps currently certified crews current with regulatory requirements.

The FAA's training needs likely support its own flight operations, inspection activities, or regulatory certification work. The agency operates a fleet for checks of airline operations, airway navigation facility flight inspections, and other missions requiring experienced flight crews. See the solicitation for the specific number of trainees, simulator hours, course durations, and any FAA-owned equipment involved.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside. Large businesses, small businesses, and eligible entities of any size may submit proposals. Training providers, aviation schools with A-330 programs, airlines with excess training capacity, and simulator facility operators should evaluate this opportunity.

Small businesses can still compete vigorously. The flight training industry includes specialized operators that may qualify as small under SBA size standards. If your business falls below the revenue threshold for NAICS 611512 (see the solicitation or SBA.gov for current standards), you may still bid and should highlight any small business status for potential subcontracting credit to large partners.

Key qualifications typically expected: FAA approval under 14 CFR Part 142 (Training Centers) or equivalent authority, access to Level C or D full flight simulators for A-330, and experienced instructors with current type ratings. See the solicitation for specific certification requirements, past performance references, and any mandatory facility inspections.

How to put together a competitive bid

Demonstrate simulator access explicitly. A-330 full flight simulators are expensive, limited assets often shared among airlines and training centers. Specify whether you own, lease, or have guaranteed scheduling agreements. Include simulator manufacturer, motion system, visual system generation, and any FAA qualification level if stated in the solicitation.

Detail your curriculum development capability. Distinguish between off-the-shelf Airbus training material and customized FAA-specific content. The agency may need training aligned with its unique operational profiles rather than airline passenger operations.

Address scheduling flexibility. Recurrent training often must fit around crew availability and regulatory deadlines. Describe your capacity for surge scheduling, after-hours sessions, and rapid turnaround for initial qualifiers.

Price strategically for both components. Ground school and simulator training may be priced separately or as integrated course packages. Consider travel and lodging if the FAA requires crews at your facility; alternatively, clarify if mobile training units or on-site instruction is permitted.

Emphasize safety record and instructor retention. The FAA understands aviation training intimately. Instructor experience measured in years and hours on A-330 type, plus low turnover, signals quality stability.

Next steps

Read the complete solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 6973GH-27-R-00013. The notice was posted October 9, 2026, with a response deadline of October 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time — a relatively short window suggesting either a simplified acquisition process or a recompetition with established requirements. Download all attachments, verify any amendments posted after the initial release, and confirm whether a preproposal conference or site visit is scheduled. Submit questions through SAM.gov if clarifications on place of performance, simulator specifications, or evaluation criteria would affect your bid decision.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →