Update January 30, 2026 - Aircraft Lease to Support NASA s Spaceflight Imaging Activities

UPDATE JANUARY 30, 2026: NASA Langley Research Center greatly appreciates the input, advice, and recommendations submitted by industry regarding this potential acquisition. LaRC does not intend to issue a solicitation specifically for this requirement; however, will consider the input received in the future acquisition planning of aircraft resources and availability. This RFI is considered closed. I. INTRODUCTION: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for the lease of two (2) aircraft that will be structurally modified, operated by NASA in support of the Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) team for airborne imaging missions in support of human spaceflight activities, and then returned to the contractor (lessor) upon completion of the performance period. Modifications to the leased aircraft will include, but not be limited to, custom built EO/IR sensor systems integrated within the modified aircraft. NASA s modification and use of the leased aircraft will include aircraft configurations & hardware previously approved for Gulfstream III, IV, and V aircraft currently owned and operated by NASA. The proposed aircraft modifications have received airworthiness certifications from the Western, Central, and Eastern Region Airworthiness Review Boards across the Agency. II. OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND: NASA s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project provides high-fidelity, multispectral and infrared imagery of aerospace vehicles during critical flight phases such as hypersonic reentry, atmospheric ascent, and parachute deployment. These observations are essential for validating aerothermal models, assessing thermal protection systems, and supporting mission assurance for both NASA and commercial spaceflight programs. To enable these capabilities, SCIFLI relies on airborne platforms that can position advanced imaging systems at precise vantage points under dynamic flight conditions. Aircraft support is critical to mission success, requiring high-altitude performance, payload integration flexibility, and global deployment readiness. NASA is seeking providers with the capability to support NASA s requirements. SCIFLI will deploy multiple platforms along the Artemis II Orion reentry trajectory with scientific camera systems to observe the Orion capsule during entry, descent, and landing in the Pacific Ocean. The total number of aircraft available within the Agency to support the mission is limited. Using a leased aircraft provides a path for enabling backup imaging platforms if NASA or Navy aircraft become unavailable due to maintenance or schedule issues. A dry lease option also has the potential to allow for more cost-effective flight support of future Artemis observations. NASA contemplates an exclusive dry lease of up to two (2) aircraft. The aircraft will be temporarily structurally modified and operated by the Government in support of the SCIFLI team to perform airborne imaging missions in support of spaceflight activities. NASA will implement temporary structural modifications to the leased aircraft including, but not limited to, custom built EO/IR sensor systems and electronics integrated within the modified aircraft. NASA s modifications will include aircraft configurations (i.e. single-pane optical windows & window frame assemblies) & hardware previously approved for Gulfstream III, IV, and V aircraft currently owned and operated by NASA that have received airworthiness certifications from the Western, Central, and Eastern Region Airworthiness Review Boards across the Agency. III. SUMMARY OF NASA S OBJECTIVES & REQUIREMENTS: NASA anticipates it will be more cost effective and advantageous for the Government to contract for a short-term lease versus the longer-term cost of ownership (See FAR Subpart 7.4, Equipment Acquisition). NASA anticipates the Government could significantly reduce project costs if a lease strategy can be supported compared to the upfront procurement costs to buy and long-term cost of ownership of the aircraft. NASA is particularly interested in industry input, recommendations, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates to lease, and examples of prior aircraft leases to the Government. Type of Lease: The lease will be an exclusive dry lease in which the aircraft will be only subject to this lease and the contractor shall transfer custody and control for all flights during the term of the lease. Anticipated Period of Performance: Anticipated award date of mid-January 2026. The lease start date (effective date) of February 10, 2026 (FOB origin inspection of aircraft at contractor s facility) that will include a minimum guaranteed base period of two (2) months with the option for the Government to extend the lease on a monthly basis for up to a total continuous term of 6 months (2-month base period and four 1-month option periods). Summary of Anticipated Contractor/Lessor Requirements and Responsibilities: Provide, under an exclusive dry lease, up to two (2) aircraft that meet or exceed the following minimum requirements/specifications. Any platform offered must specify capability of meeting NASA requirements and the capabilities to meet or exceed the intended flight profiles of the SCIFLI team s support of the Artemis mission (more details will be provided if a solicitation is issued): Aircraft Minimum Requirements (in addition to other requirements detailed elsewhere) - The Government s requirement is for two (2) G-V aircraft; however, would consider industry input and recommendations of the feasibility and advantages of one (1) G-IV and one (1) G-V. A minimum of one (1) aircraft shall include high-speed internet connectivity of ?15 Mbps upload performance. Corresponding military variants would also be considered if essentially equivalent. Pre-Delivery Configuration: The contractor/lessor shall ensure the leased aircraft meet an agreed upon cabin layout, (that will be further defined in a SOW if a solicitation is issued) prior to delivery of the asset(s). This is separate from the Government post-delivery structural modifications that the Government intends to perform. Pre and post lease inspections to be conducted at the contractor s site. The leased aircraft shall be free of calendar/hourly maintenance inspections/actions for the entire duration of the lease (total potential if extended up to 6 months). FOB origin at the contractor s facility for inspection and acceptance by the Government then NASA will fly to the specified location. Fully operational and meet all airworthiness requirements and applicable regulations prior to delivery to NASA at the beginning of the lease. Summary of Anticipated Government/Lessee Requirements and Responsibilities: For the duration of the lease, NASA will have exclusive use and will be fully responsible for operational control over the aircraft and all related functions, in accordance with all regulatory requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: Ensuring aircraft is airworthy and in compliance with applicable regulations upon acceptance of the aircraft from the contractor. Modifying the aircraft are in accordance with approved program specifications/requirements and aircraft recertifying the aircraft for airworthiness as required. Maintaining the aircraft, including all costs, in compliance with applicable regulations. If maintenance is required during the term of the lease, it will be performed by certificated repair stations or manufacturer maintenance facilities to ensure maintenance is completed properly and that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to flight. This includes the use of adequate maintenance facilities. Providing all assigned crewmembers, safety inspectors/inspections, and to ensure airworthiness including, but not limited to, flight following, dispatch, communications, weather, and fueling. De-modifying the aircraft prior to returning the aircraft to the lessor/contractor in the state it was delivered and prior to the end of the term of the lease. NASA will de-modify and deliver back to the contractor s facility in the original configuration, but the contractor will be responsible to obtain FAA certification. IV. INFORMATION REQUESTED - CAPABILITY STATEMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS: NASA LaRC is seeking capability statements and recommendations from all interested parties having demonstrated experience providing aircraft leasing that can meet the capabilities/objectives described herein, including all socioeconomic categories as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 19.201(a) and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) 1819.201(a)(i). The Government reserves the right whether to set aside this acquisition based on responses received. Interested firms having the required capabilities to meet the above requirements are requested to submit a capability statement of no more than 10 pages describing…