Request for White Papers: High-Performance Compressor System
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 Air Force Test Center (AFTC/PZI) at Arnold Air Force Base (AFB) is seeking White Papers for the design, manufacture, and testing of a Prototype High-Performance Compressor System. This effort, issued under 10 U.S.C. § 4022 for Other Transaction Prototype (OTP) agreements, aims to identify innovative solutions for a high-pressure, high-mass-flow air source for aerospace system testing. The submitted White Papers will inform a potential future Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP). Responses are due May 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project addresses a capability gap for aerospace system testing and is structured in three phases:
- Phase I (Base Effort): System Analysis and Design, including an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), system design, P&ID, and digital model.
- Phase II (Optional Effort 1): Prototype Manufacturing and Test, involving the design, build, and factory-test of unique prototype compressors.
- Phase III (Optional Effort 2): Installation and Test Support, providing on-site technical support for installation, commissioning, and operational testing. A successful prototype must validate core performance, integration feasibility, data generation for sustainment, and financial viability.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for White Papers (RWP) under Other Transaction Prototype (OTP) authority (10 U.S.C. § 4022).
- Estimated Value: $500,000 (Phase I) to $50,700,000 (all phases combined) for planning purposes.
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, by 1:00 PM Central Time.
- Published: March 31, 2026.
- Place of Performance: COOPERTOWN, TN.
Eligibility & Evaluation
Respondents must justify how they meet at least one condition for OTP award under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, such as participation by nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, or significant non-Federal funding. White Papers, limited to 20 pages, will be evaluated on the clarity of the proposed approach, understanding of project objectives, and credibility of the path to delivering a system with high operational utility.
Additional Notes
The Statement of Objectives (SOO) is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Distribution C, and Export Controlled. To receive the SOO, vendors must have a current (within three years) NIST SP 800-171 assessment in SPRS and be a certified contractor in the Joint Certification Program (JCP). Contact the Agreements Officer to request the document and verify certification. Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.