Part of National Aeronautics And Space Administration
The Air Force Research Center (AFRC), operating under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, focuses on advancing airborne science and aviation systems to support national space and aeronautics missions. Its core priorities include modernizing specialized aircraft platforms, enhancing flight systems instrumentation, and sustaining critical airborne research capabilities.
Armstrong Flight Research Center is a government agency with procurement activity across contracts, awards, and contractors.
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AI Mission Profile
The Air Force Research Center (AFRC), operating under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, focuses on advancing airborne science and aviation systems to support national space and aeronautics missions. Its core priorities include modernizing specialized aircraft platforms, enhancing fl...
The Air Force Research Center (AFRC), operating under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, focuses on advancing airborne science and aviation systems to support national space and aeronautics missions. Its core priorities include modernizing specialized aircraft platforms, enhancing flight systems instrumentation, and sustaining critical airborne research capabilities. Key initiatives center on upgrading inertial navigation systems, overhauling propulsion components, and modifying high-altitude research aircraft such as the Gulfstream series to meet rigorous scientific data collection requirements. The agency also invests in range operations, telecommunications infrastructure, and facility construction to enable safe and efficient flight testing and mission support across remote and high-value operational environments.
AFRC procures a mix of advanced aerospace manufacturing, engineering services, and specialized logistics support. Its contract portfolio emphasizes aircraft and engine system upgrades, aeronautical instrument manufacturing, and technical services for air transportation operations. The agency frequently utilizes forecasted opportunities to align procurement with long-term mission planning cycles, often leveraging multiple-award vehicles for construction and architectural services to ensure scalable, mission-aligned infrastructure development.
AFRC’s procurement is heavily concentrated in aircraft manufacturing (NAICS 336411), aeronautical system instrumentation (334511), and engine overhaul (336412), reflecting its reliance on custom-built, high-reliability aviation platforms. The agency shows a balanced approach to set-asides, with a clear preference for small business participation—evidenced by multiple SBA Small Business Set-Asides and Full and Open with SB Reserves contracts—while also maintaining open competition for complex technical requirements where specialized expertise is limited. Vendor relationships are built around proven capability in aerospace systems integration, FAA-compliant modifications, and mission-critical maintenance.
AFRC operates as a specialized unit within NASA, with no fixed geographic footprint but mission-critical activity spanning national aerospace test ranges and research facilities. It employs a mix of direct procurement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and multiple-award construction vehicles to meet dynamic operational demands across its diverse technical portfolio.
Set-Aside Programs
Small business set-aside programs used in this agency's contracts, supporting goals for disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses.
