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 Department of the Air Force (AFLCMC ROKB) is soliciting proposals for the Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F) program. This effort involves the development, manufacture, and sustainment of a common armament tester for F-16, F-15, and A-10 aircraft. The acquisition will result in up to two Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with a maximum value of $427.5 million. Proposals are due May 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM EDT.
Opportunity Overview
The CAT-F program aims to replace or augment legacy testers, providing cyber-secure, nuclear-certified testing capabilities at both Organizational (O-Level) and Intermediate (I-Level) maintenance. The system must utilize a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) and address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materiel Shortages (DMSMS) and obsolescence. The acquisition follows a two-phase Tradeoff Source Selection process: an initial phase for CAT-F System Design leading to up to two IDIQ awards, followed by a final downselect to at least one contractor after Critical Design Review (CDR) for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Pricing: Mix of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost Reimbursement-No Fee (CR-NF)
- Period of Performance: 1-year Basic period for Prototype Design and Digital Development, followed by four 1-year Options. Option I is for EMD and Production, exercised after downselect.
- Minimum Value: $10,000.00
- Maximum Value: $427,500,000.00
- NAICS: 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals), Small Business Size Standard: 750 employees
- PSC: 4920 (Aircraft Maintenance And Repair Shop Specialized Equipment)
- Set-Aside: None specified
Key Requirements & Deliverables
The CAT-F system includes O-Level Handheld Testers, I-Level Functional and Fault Isolation Testers, and Aircraft Specific Cable and Adapter Kits for F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms. Initial prototype quantities are revised to two (2) each for F-16, F-15, and A-10 O-Level Handheld Testers. Estimated quantities for Options I-IV include 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, and 42 A-10 I-Level Testers. Offerors must submit a prototype plan for Non-Developmental Item (NDI) modification within 10 months of contract award. An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is required and will be incorporated into the Integrated Program Management Data & Analysis Report (IPMDAR).
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: May 14, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT.
- Proposal Validity: 730 days.
- Submission: Electronic via encrypted email or DoD SAFE. Only one proposal per offeror.
- Volumes: Completed RFP, Financial Responsibility, Technical Proposal (Volume II, 130-page limit), Small Business Participation, and Cost/Price Proposal (using provided Excel models).
- Required Documents: Contractor Statement of Work (SOW), expected Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), Intellectual Property Plan, and Surge Capability Plan.
- Evaluation: Tradeoff Source Selection, with technical factors significantly more important than cost/price for initial selection. The final downselect for Option I will be based on prototype reviews and vendor documentation, not a written technical proposal. Small Business Participation is a key evaluation factor.
Important Notes
RFP Amendment 0004 extended the proposal due date and updated Attachments 3 (SOO) and 4 (Sections L/M). Offerors should review all updated sections and clauses, particularly regarding contract values, CLINs, and incorporated clauses, to ensure compliant proposals. Access to the bidder's library requires a completed DD Form 2345.