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 conducting market research for modern high-performance jet aircraft. This is for a limited, multi-year evaluation program for Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) for astronauts. It is not a full fleet replacement or a request for proposals at this stage.

NASA currently uses T-38N aircraft, but the U.S. Air Force plans to retire its T-38 fleet in the 2030-2035 timeframe. NASA is evaluating options for a transition to more modern aircraft. This evaluation will assess suitability for astronaut training, operational characteristics, maintenance, supply chain, and overall feasibility.

Vendors should care because this is an opportunity to inform NASA's future acquisition strategy for critical astronaut training aircraft. NASA is open to various arrangements, including lease, lease-to-own, or barter, due to limited upfront funding.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on August 27, 2026. The deadline for submitting your capability statement is September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET.

At the deadline, NASA will stop accepting capability statements. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only; no proposals are being requested or accepted at this time. NASA will use the submitted information to determine appropriate competition levels and potential small business subcontracting goals for future requirements.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity suits firms that can provide modern, high-performance jet aircraft. The aircraft should be reliable, have self-starting engines, and performance comparable to a modern jet trainer or light fighter. Key capabilities include supporting dynamic maneuvering, formation flying, and cross-country navigation.

NASA is looking for dual-seat, dual-control configurations with modern avionics. Firms should be able to offer solutions that include aircraft, all levels of maintenance, spare parts provisioning, and technical data access. NASA is particularly interested in responses from all socioeconomic categories of small businesses, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI).

How to respond

To respond, you must submit a capability statement. This statement should be no more than 15 pages in PDF format, excluding appendices. It needs to demonstrate your firm's ability to support NASA's SFRT Aircraft Modernization requirements.

Your response should address aircraft capability, maintenance, training, parts, technical data, schedule, and rough-order costs. Clearly identify which elements of your offering are near-term solutions and which require further development. You should also provide input on small business subcontracting goals, potential barriers to small business participation, and strategies to increase small business involvement.

Tips for a competitive response

Focus on clearly articulating your firm's specific capabilities related to high-performance jet aircraft. Since this is an RFI, emphasize your experience and technical expertise in providing or supporting such aircraft, rather than just listing features.

Address all aspects NASA is interested in, including maintenance concepts, supply chain considerations, and potential procurement options like leasing. If you are a small business, highlight your socioeconomic category and how you can meet or contribute to small business participation goals. Be realistic about what you can offer immediately versus what requires more development time.