Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F)
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 Automated Test System Contracting Branch, AFLCMC/ROKB, at Robins Air Force Base, GA, anticipates issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Common Armament Tester-Fighters (CAT-F). This effort involves the design, development, manufacture, and sustainment of CAT-F for F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms. This will be a Full and Open Competitive Acquisition with an anticipated RFP issue in FY25 Q3.
Scope of Work
The CAT-F system must be capable of testing Preload, Clean Wing, and Fault Isolation Requirements at both O-Level and I-Level Maintenance. The acquisition includes a 1-year Basic period for Prototype Design and Digital Development of O-Level and I-Level Testers, followed by 4 one-year Options for Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) and Production.
Approximate quantities required:
- Basic (Prototypes): 4 F-16 O-Level, 4 F-15 O-Level, 4 A-10 O-Level Handheld Testers.
- Options I-IV (Production): 303 F-16 O-Level, 172 F-15 O-Level, 68 A-10 O-Level, 143 F-16 I-Level, 80 F-15 I-Level, 42 A-10 I-Level Testers.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Full and Open Competitive Acquisition, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Pricing arrangements will include Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost Reimbursement-No Fee (CR-NF).
- Duration: 1-year Basic + 4 one-year Options.
- Set-Aside: None (Full and Open Competitive Acquisition).
- Anticipated RFP Issue: FY25 Q3.
- Response Due: Approximately 45 days after RFP issue.
- Published: March 12, 2025.
Evaluation
This acquisition will utilize Tradeoff Source Selection Procedures. An Initial Source Selection will result in up to two (2) IDIQ contracts for CAT-F System Design. A Final Downselect will occur after Critical Design Review (CDR), leading to at least one (1) contractor for subsequent options.
Additional Notes
Foreign Participation is not permitted. The NAICS code is 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals) with a 750-employee small business size standard. The PSC is 4920 (Aircraft Maintenance And Repair Shop Specialized Equipment).
Contacts: Oya Harrison (PCO) at oya.harrison.1@us.af.mil and Alexis Davis (Contract Specialist) at Alexis.Davis.13@us.af.mil.