Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) Aircraft Modernization

Modification 1 – September 10, 2026 This is Modification 1 to the Request for Information (RFI) entitled SFRT Aircraft Modernization Request for Information (RFI), Notice ID 80JSC026SFRTAM, which was posted on August 27, 2026. The following changes are hereby made: NASA is establishing a final deadline for the submission of questions. All questions must be submitted no later than September 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST). After this deadline, NASA does not anticipate accepting additional questions. All questions received by the deadline will be answered publicly through this SAM.gov posting. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this website for all updates and additional information. No other changes are made under this modification. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) to post a Request for Information (RFI) to request responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. NASA JSC is hereby requesting information from potential sources for the Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) Aircraft Modernization evaluation requirement. NASA JSC is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses (SB) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for the SFRT Aircraft Modernization evaluation requirement. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate capabilities as a prime, subcontractor and/or teaming partner. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), HUBZone, Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside based on responses received. Respondents are requested to provide informed input on realistic and appropriate SB subcontracting and/or participation goals for the specific requirement. This type of feedback supports NASA’s market research and helps ensure the acquisition strategy is aligned with actual industry capability. Industry feedback is requested for: 1. SB Subcontracting goals; 2. Barriers that may limit SB participation, such as certifications, unique technical requirements, security needs, specialized tools, or high-risk performance areas and/or 3. Strategies to increase SB participation, including: • Breaking requirements into smaller components • Identifying areas appropriate for subcontracting • Considering teaming or mentor protégé approaches NASA JSC is conducting market research to obtain industry information regarding availability, capability, schedule, sustainment models, and cost efficacy for modern high-performance jet aircraft that could be used in evaluation and an evaluation program for supporting NASA's astronaut SFRT requirements. NASA has operated the T-38N fleet in support of astronaut SFRT for several decades. With the U.S. Air Force planning to retire the T‑38 fleet in the 2030–2035 timeframe, NASA is evaluating options to transition to a more modern high-performance aircraft. Prior to any fleet transition, NASA seeks to conduct a limited-scope evaluation program using a small number of modern aircraft to determine: Suitability for astronaut training Operational characteristics and safety margins Curriculum integration and human factors Maintenance concepts and mission capable rate Supply chain considerations Overall fleet feasibility and lifecycle expectations This evaluation program is not a full fleet buy or replacement. It is intended to operate a small number of aircraft within JSC’s existing operational framework to assess compatibility, logistics, cost efficacy, and training impact. NASA is interested in understanding whether industry can provide a: Direct replacement solution Bridge capability that would preserve operational capacity while a full solution is developed or fielded Phased capability delivery approach that introduces mission capability over time, or Combination of the above Respondents should clearly identify which elements of their response are available as near-term solutions and which require additional development, certification, production, or integration effort. Desired Aircraft Characteristics NASA is seeking information on existing, production, or near-production high-performance jet aircraft capable of supporting SFRT. Pertinent aircraft characteristics include: High reliability with established maintenance documentation Self-starting engine capability Performance comparable to a modern jet trainer/light fighter aircraft Capability to support dynamic maneuvering, formation flying, and cross-country navigation Dual-seat, dual-control configuration (tandem or side-by-side) Modern avionics compatible with instrument flight operations Aircraft capable of being single-pilot qualified from either seat is highly desired NASA is not restricting industry responses to a specific performance class or aircraft design heritage. NASA anticipates evaluating a small number of aircraft over a multi-year period. NASA requests information on potential procurement options such as lease, lease-to-own, barter, or other arrangements due to limited upfront procurement funding. NASA would provide: NASA aircrew NASA flight operations oversight Aircrew training requirements …