Request for White Paper_Landing Gear Test Facility (LGTF) Drop Tower Modernization Prototype Project

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force is seeking White Papers for the Landing Gear Test Facility (LGTF) Drop Tower Modernization Prototype Project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), Ohio. This Request for White Paper (RWP) aims to identify industry capabilities for the complete redesign, fabrication, and installation of new carriage and variable weight systems for LGTF Drop Towers 2, 3, and 4. White Papers are due July 1, 2026.

Purpose & Scope

The primary goal is to identify potential solutions and innovative industrial approaches for modernizing the LGTF drop towers to ensure safe, precise, and sustainable variable-weight landing gear drop testing. The government will use submitted White Papers to assess industry capabilities, refine project requirements, and select vendors for a potential future Request for Project Proposal (RPP).

Key Requirements / Deliverables

• A comprehensive, turnkey approach for system integration, safe operation, and long-term sustainment.
• Full compatibility with existing LGTF Drop Towers 2, 3, and 4 structures, guide rails, and control systems.
• Delivery of a complete system design package, including Process and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), functional digital model, and Interface Control Document (ICD).
• Seamless control and monitoring from the existing LGTF control room and interface with the government's Data Acquisition (DAQ) architecture.
• Meeting specified performance requirements safely and reliably, verified through a government-witnessed Site Acceptance Test (SAT).
• Compliance with relevant safety standards (OSHA, ANSI, MIL-STDs).
• Generation of a complete As-Built Technical Data Package (TDP), including engineering drawings, material specifications, and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
• Analysis of estimated maintenance requirements and a recommended spare parts list.

Contract Details

• Type: Request for White Paper (RWP) for market research and planning purposes; not an RFP or commitment to award.
• Product Service Code: 1710 (Aircraft Landing Equipment)
• Place of Performance: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
• Anticipated Award: FY26

Submission & Evaluation

• White Papers Due: July 1, 2026, by 1:00 PM Central Time.
• Submission Method: .pdf format via email to Brooke Vandeman (brooke.vandeman@us.af.mil).
• White Paper Limit: 20 pages, including Company Information, Technical Approach, Integration/Logistics/Data Rights, Risk & Safety assessment, Corporate Experience, Schedule, Cost Estimate (ROM), Assumptions/Feedback, and compliance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
• Evaluation: Based on clarity and feasibility of the technical approach, understanding of project objectives, demonstrated corporate experience, and credibility of the path forward.

Eligibility / Set-Aside

• No specific set-aside is designated for this RWP.
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Current CMMC Level 2 (self-assessment) in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
  • Active certification in the Joint Certification Program (JCP).
  • Companies must provide rationale and documentation for satisfying at least one condition of 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (e.g., participation of nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, or significant non-Federal funding).
• The Statement of Objectives (SOO) is marked CUI and Distribution D, Export Controlled.

Additional Notes

• The SOO must be requested via email from the Agreements Officer.
• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
• The Government will not reimburse costs associated with white paper preparation.