FBI purchase of Gulfstream jet, or equivalent

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is scanning the aircraft market in search of a business jet, according to a Request for Information (RFI) document released this month.

The agency is conducting market research to gather information from qualified vendors regarding the availability, pricing, and contractual terms for purchasing or leasing-to-own a Gulfstream G550, G650ER, G700, or equivalent aircraft.

According to JetSpy, the FBI already has at least one Gulfstream G550. The aircraft, built in 2012, has serial number 5361. The aircraft’s registration, our tail number, is N616RK.

In August 2018, Aviation Week reported the FBI was in the market to buy a Gulfstream G550 to support its Counterterrorism Division and other missions.

The new aircraft purchase, announced this month, appeared in an RFI document released on April 14. This week, the bureau released an update to that RFI.

“This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment to procure any goods or services,” the FBI said.

“The FBI requires a long-range business jet capable of supporting operational airlift missions and required-use executive travel,” the agency said. “The Gulfstream G550, G650ER, G700, or equivalent, is being considered for its range, speed, and performance capabilities. The FBI seeks information to purchase the aircraft, lease-to-own options, associated costs, and terms for leasing versus lease-to-own agreements.”

The agency invites aircraft vendors to respond to the RFI and contact FBI contracting officers by April 29.

NASA seeks replacement engines for aging WB-57 aircraft

NASA’s Ames Research Center (ARC) in California is soliciting information from potential sources for a feasibility study concerning the replacement of the existing Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines on their WB-57 aircraft.

Planning Purposes Only

No contract solicitation exists at this time, NASA said in a Request for Information (RFI) document released on Tuesday. The RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal, nor does it constitute a commitment to procure any goods or services.

“Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references,” the agency said in the RFI.

NASA is seeking information from industry regarding potential replacement engine options for the WB-57 aircraft, which currently operates with Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines.

WB-57 Mission

The WB-57 aircraft is a high-altitude, long-endurance platform used for atmospheric research, sensor testing, and communication relay. NASA aims to modernize the fleet and ensure long-term sustainability by exploring potential engine upgrades.

Performance Improvements

NASA seeks quantifiable performance improvements, including but not limited to:

                 o Increased thrust

                 o Improved fuel efficiency

                 o Reduced maintenance costs

                 o Extended operational range

                 o Enhanced operational ceiling

                 o Other relevant performance metrics

Interested firms having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirements should submit a capability statement to NASA ARC no later than May 22.