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, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) is soliciting proposals for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC), a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This IDIQ aims to rapidly develop and implement novel propulsion capabilities, advance new technologies, and provide evolutionary, revolutionary, and disruptive solutions for the U.S. Air Force and strategic partners across all lifecycle phases. The contract has a $16.1 billion ceiling and a 15-year period of performance. Proposals are due April 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
The APAC IDIQ will provide the capacity to rapidly develop technologies, implement unique solutions, and advance new technologies and system concepts for propulsion development. This includes technology maturation, concept development, concept demonstrations, integration, procurement, production, fielding, operations, and sustainment, maximizing the use of the digital environment. The scope covers Science & Technology (S&T), Research and Development (R&D), Test and Evaluation (T&E), integration, production, operations & sustainment, modernization, prototyping, experimentation, hardware/software modifications, propulsion design, and data analysis.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MAC IDIQ)
- Ceiling: $16.1 billion
- Period of Performance: 15 years from award date
- NAICS Code: 336412 (Engines & Engine Parts) with a 1,500 employee size standard
- Product Service Code: AC15 (National Defense R&D Svcs; Department Of Defense Military; R&D Facilities & Maj Equip)
- Funding: Not presently available; awards contingent on fund availability.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: April 13, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Submission Method: Electronic via DoD SAFE (request link at least 3 business days prior)
- Proposal Validity: 180 calendar days
- Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated for acceptability based on Factor 1: Technical Proficiency, which includes three subfactors:
- Technical Capability: Two detailed efforts demonstrating capability in propulsion lifecycle areas.
- Propulsion Industry Relevance (PIR): One effort demonstrating prior experience in propulsion-relevant technologies.
- Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD): A realistic and credible approach to small business utilization.
- Offerors must receive an acceptable rating for all three subfactors to be eligible for award. The government intends to award to all qualifying offerors.
- Delivery Order 01 (DO1): An initial DO will be awarded concurrently with the basic contract for a fixed price of $1,000. This DO requires participation in a virtual Post Award Orientation Conference (PAOC) and a 30-minute briefing on future propulsion capabilities.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
No specific set-aside for the IDIQ itself, but small business participation is a key evaluation factor (Subfactor 3), and future Delivery Orders (DOs) may be set aside for small businesses. Non-small businesses must submit a Subcontracting Plan. Foreign firms or U.S. companies with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) may participate, but limitations may apply to future DO/TO competitions.
Contact Information
Questions should be sent to the listed POCs and aflcmc.apacidiq@us.af.mil. Primary contact: Tanner Alley (tanner.alley@us.af.mil). Secondary contact: Capt Caelan Campbell (caelan.campbell.1@us.af.mil).