Advanced Propulsion Aquisition Contract (APAC) IDIQ
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force is soliciting proposals for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC), a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. This opportunity, with a $16.1 billion ceiling and a 15-year period of performance, aims to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) with the capacity to rapidly develop, implement, and advance novel propulsion technologies and system concepts. Proposals are due by April 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
The APAC IDIQ is designed to enable rapid response across all lifecycle phases of propulsion development, from technology maturation and concept development to integration, procurement, production, fielding, operations, and sustainment. The scope includes Science and Technology (S&T), Research and Development (R&D), Test and Evaluation (T&E), Integration and Assembly, Production and Fielding, Operations and Sustainment (O&S), Modernization, Prototyping, Experimentation, Hardware and Software Modifications, Propulsion Design, and Data Mining, Collection, and Analysis. Key performance areas also encompass Program Management, Logistics, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Security (including CUI to TS//SCI//SAR), and Cybersecurity.
Contract Details
This is a MAC IDIQ with a total ceiling of $16.1 billion over a 15-year period. Delivery Orders (DOs) and Task Orders (TOs) will be issued competitively using FAR 16.505(b)(1) fair opportunity processes, or sole-sourced per FAR 16.505(b)(2), and can utilize various contract types (FFP, FPIF, CPFF, Cost, etc.). An initial Delivery Order (DO1) will be awarded concurrently with the basic contract for $1,000 to participate in a virtual Post-Award Orientation Conference (PAOC). Future on-ramp opportunities for new contractors are planned.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
There is no specific set-aside for the overall APAC IDIQ contract. However, Small Business Participation is a key evaluation factor (Subfactor 3), and individual DOs/TOs may be set aside for Small Businesses if multiple capable sources are identified. The NAICS code is 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,500 employees. Foreign firms or U.S. companies with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) may participate, though limitations may apply to future DO/TO competitions. Non-small businesses must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must be submitted electronically via DoD SAFE by April 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Offerors should request a DoD SAFE link at least three business days prior to the deadline. Proposals must be organized into three volumes:
- Volume I - Contractual and Administrative Information: Includes a Cover Letter, SF 33, OCI Plan, Compliance Statement, and Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable).
- Volume II - Technical Proficiency: Addresses three subfactors: Technical Capability (two detailed efforts), Propulsion Industry Relevance (one effort), and a Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD). All efforts must be within the past five years.
- Volume III - Proposal for Delivery Order 01 (DO1): Includes a commitment letter for the virtual PAOC and a price proposal for exactly $1,000 using the provided template.
Evaluation Factors
The government intends to award contracts to all qualifying offerors who submit technically acceptable proposals. Proposals will be evaluated based on Factor 1: Technical Proficiency, which is comprised of three subfactors. Subfactors 1 (Technical Capability) and 2 (Propulsion Industry Relevance) are of equal importance and significantly more important than Subfactor 3 (Small Business Participation Commitment Document). Offerors must receive an acceptable rating for all three subfactors to be eligible for award. The government reserves the right to award based on initial proposals without discussions.
Key Deliverables & Notes
Contractors will be required to deliver data in accordance with Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), with specific items defined at the DO/TO level. Data rights will be subject to FAR Part 27 and DFARS Subparts 227 and 227.71, with the government generally intending to acquire data rights. No classified information is permitted in proposals. Award is contingent upon the availability of funds.