Bid guide
How to bid on Flight School Next (FSN) for the Dept of the Army
What the Army is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor to operate a complete flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This program, known as Flight School Next (FSN), will train 900 to 1500 new helicopter pilots each year.
This is a significant opportunity because it represents a new approach for the Army. They are looking for a fully commercial service, where the contractor provides all aircraft, maintenance, instructors, and any necessary simulators. The goal is to train pilots to a standard equivalent to an FAA commercial helicopter pilot certification, using commercially available equipment and instruction practices.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Call for Solutions was published on July 10, 2025. The deadline for responses is October 31, 2026, at 1:00 AM ET.
All proposals must be submitted by this deadline. Late submissions may not be considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms with extensive experience in aviation training, particularly helicopter flight instruction. Companies that can provide a complete Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) solution, including aircraft, maintenance, and instructional staff, will be strong candidates.
The relevant category for this work is education, specifically flight training services. Vendors should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality, comprehensive flight training programs.
How to respond
To access the solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents. However, for some bids, documents are accessible without an account.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Given the scope of this project, emphasize your firm's ability to manage large-scale, comprehensive training programs. Highlight any experience with military or government contracts, especially those involving pilot training or aviation services.
Clearly articulate how your proposed solution meets or exceeds the FAA commercial helicopter pilot certification standard. Detail your approach to providing all necessary equipment, maintenance, and qualified instructors. Showcase your understanding of the Army's goal to increase pilot proficiency through commercially available practices.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Army; the original posting controls.