Helicopter training for 6 NASA pilots

Statement of Work (SOW)

To define requirements for training up to 6 helicopter pilots and selected pilot staff from NASA's Astronaut Office and Aircraft Operations Division on the TH-57 (Bell 206B) helicopter. The training will focus on autorotation, recurrency, and consultation on technical changes to NASA helicopter publications, preparing the Astronaut Corps for lunar surface operations.

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel, materials, equipment, documentation, and facilities to perform the required Bell 206B training.

1 July 2026 – 31 December 2026

• Training services to be provided within a 350-mile radius of the Johnson Space Center.

• Training must be conducted by a Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF).

• Must have a Bell 206B and available instructors capable of on-demand training.

• Aircraft must meet FAA requirements and be fitted for dual control.

• Aircraft safety equipment certifications must be current and subject to inspection.

• Must submit to a NASA Commercial Air Services Inspection and conform to suggested changes.

• Access to a dedicated practice area for safe flying training.

• Pilots must meet minimum requirements per NASA STD 7919.1.

• Instructors should have experience as helicopter maintenance test pilots and on Bell 206 variants.

• Must be an OEM-authorized organization for technical and engineering consultation.

• Provide a focused autorotation course.

• Provide an in-depth review of aircraft operations and maintenance procedures, including hands-on training aids.

• Provide FAA rated Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) for emergency simulations and procedural practice.

• Provide a training report including hours flown upon completion.

• Technical: James Kelly, Crew Operations Branch Chief, NASA Johnson Space Center

• Business: Charlotte Moncrief, NASA Johnson Space Center

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for helicopter training for 6 NASA pilots. The procurement is for a commercial item and is full and open competition.

• The solicitation is a "Brand Name or Equal To" requirement.

• Bidders must provide CAGE CODE, LEADTIME/DELIVERY OR POP, and FOB DESTINATION.

• Specific details are to be found in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Contract type is Firm Fixed Priced (TBD).

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• Quotes are due by June 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT.

• Quotes should be submitted via email to Cara Craft at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov.

• Quotes must remain valid for 30 days.

• Submitted quotes must list two points of contact (name, phone number, email address).

• Contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing (email) to Cara Craft by June 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT.

• The Government will award to the responsible Offeror with the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) offer.

• Offers not deemed technically acceptable will be removed from consideration.

• Offerors must be registered at www.sam.gov to be considered for award.

• NAICS Code: 611512.

• The solicitation incorporates various FAR and NFS clauses by reference, including those related to System for Award Management, Duty-Free Entry, Place of Manufacture, Personal Identity Verification, Addressing DEI Discrimination, Sustainable Products and Services, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors, Government Property, F.o.b. Destination, Requirements to Inform Employees of Whistleblower rights, Release of Sensitive Information, List of government property furnished, Denied Access to NASA Facilities, and Export Licenses.