Airlift Efficiency Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

The Airlift Efficiency Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), solicitation number FA4452-25-S-C001, issued by the United States Air Force's 763rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron under the Department of Defense, seeks innovative solutions to improve airlift efficiency with a focus on a dual-use turbofan engine for both military and commercial transport aircraft. Specifically, the current Area of Interest (AOI 1) targets the development of a blended wing body (BWB) and C-17 propulsion system featuring a turbofan engine in the 35,000 to 50,000-pound thrust class. Key objectives include compliance with future emissions regulations, full compatibility with 100% sustainable aviation fuel, achievement of entry-into-service by 2030, and scalable production ramp-up to support rates of up to 80 engines per month by 2037. The contract uses a firm-fixed-price structure and may involve cost-sharing for development and production ramp-up. The solicitation is competitive, employing a two-step process requiring a Solution Brief submission by specified AOI deadlines, followed by invitation to submit Detailed Approaches. Evaluation of proposals is balanced across three equally weighted factors: technical merit, importance to the agency, and price, emphasizing overall best value rather than low price alone. The contract’s administrative and compliance requirements include adherence to U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR), with mandatory submission of a certified DD Form 2345 when export-controlled data is involved, and prohibition of foreign entities from prime contracting roles. Proprietary and confidential data protections are enforced under federal statutes and require appropriate marking on submissions. Security clearances and facility clearance may be necessary depending on the AOI. Offerors must submit essential organizational information such as Unique Entity Identifiers and CAGE codes, and identify personnel points of contact. Submission formats permit up to five pages or fifteen briefing slides for Solution Briefs, with no detailed pricing or performance schedules disclosed in the general solicitation, as these are AOI-specific. The place of performance is in Illinois, with the contracting office located at Scott Air Force Base. Communication regarding submissions and inquiries is directed primarily to Contracting Officer Lisa Pendragon and Contract Specialist Captain Madison Tikalsky, with solution briefs due according to AOI timelines, the overall solicitation remaining open until February 26, 2026, and final proposal acceptance contingent upon government evaluation of technical, price, and operational fit within Air Force mission needs.