Air Force previews $920M aerospace equipment competition

The Air Force has given industry a more detailed glimpse at its plans to compete a potential 10-year, $920 million contract for rapid production and broad support services for aerospace ground equipment.

The multiple-award Next Generation Aerospace Ground Equipment contract will cover design, development, integration and testing services to aid in how systems utilized on the ground support aircraft while in-flight.

In the draft solicitation posted Monday, the Air Force said NGAGE will not include contractor logistics support or advisory and assistance services.

The Air Force instead has set up the contract to fast-track the development and fielding of new technologies.

Companies interested in pursuing the NGAGE contract will have to detail their ability to produce equipment with more than one capability.

They will also have to demonstrate how they design, develop, integrate, test and produce military-style aerospace ground equipment by using digital engineering techniques.

NGAGE is set up to support the entire lifecycle of equipment, ranging from launch and recovery to operations and maintenance.

Work under the contract will take place over an initial two-year base period, followed by four option periods of two years each. Robins Air Force Base in Georgia will be the primary location of performance.

Comments on the draft RFP are due Sept. 9. The Air Force is eyeing “on or about” Sept. 15 as when it plans to release the final solicitation.

NGAGE is a new requirement.