How to bid on Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) Aircraft Modernization for NASA

What NASA is buying and why it matters

NASA's Johnson Space Center is looking for information on modern high-performance jet aircraft. This is for a small, multi-year evaluation program to support astronaut spaceflight readiness training (SFRT). NASA currently uses T-38N aircraft, but the U.S. Air Force plans to retire its T-38 fleet, prompting NASA to explore new options.

This is an opportunity for vendors to provide input on aircraft capabilities, maintenance, availability, schedules, and potential costs. NASA is considering various arrangements like lease, lease-to-own, or barter. This evaluation program is not a full fleet replacement but aims to assess compatibility and logistics with a small number of aircraft.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline for submitting questions about this Request for Information (RFI) is September 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST). NASA does not expect to accept questions after this time. All questions received by the deadline will be answered publicly.

The final deadline for submitting your capability statement is September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). This is an RFI, meaning it is for information gathering only and not a request for proposals. No proposals should be submitted at this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This RFI is suitable for firms that can provide modern high-performance jet aircraft. NASA is interested in existing, production, or near-production aircraft with high reliability, self-starting engines, and performance comparable to a modern jet trainer or light fighter. The aircraft should support dynamic maneuvering, formation flying, and cross-country navigation, and have a dual-seat, dual-control configuration with modern avionics.

NASA encourages responses from all interested parties, including small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Minority Institutions (MI), prime contractors, subcontractors, and teaming partners. Vendors should demonstrate their capabilities as a prime, subcontractor, or teaming partner.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids this is not required.

Your response should be a capability statement of up to 15 pages. It should address aircraft characteristics, potential procurement options (lease, lease-to-own, barter), and how your solution could be a direct replacement, bridge capability, or phased delivery approach. Clearly identify what elements are near-term solutions versus those requiring further development.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is an RFI, focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's capabilities and how your aircraft meets the desired characteristics. Provide specific details about performance, maintenance, and operational features. Quantify capabilities where possible.

Address the different procurement options NASA is considering, such as lease or lease-to-own, and provide rough cost estimates if possible. Also, consider providing input on small business subcontracting goals, potential barriers to small business participation, and strategies to increase it, as NASA is specifically requesting this feedback.

Ensure your capability statement is concise and directly addresses all the information NASA is seeking. Review the RFI carefully to make sure you cover all requested points within the 15-page limit.