(RFI) Advanced Propulsion Acquistion Contract (APAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract
The Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) solicits proposals for an agile procurement vehicle aimed at rapidly developing and advancing propulsion technologies across all lifecycle phases, including technology maturation, concept development, integration, production, fielding, operations, and sustainment. Managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) and headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, this contract is structured to provide evolutionary, revolutionary, and disruptive propulsion capabilities that meet current and future U.S. Air Force and strategic partner needs. The IDIQ contract is planned for a total 15-year period of performance—inclusive of a five-year base and five-year option for ordering—with the flexibility offered by multiple awardees to support diverse and rapidly evolving technology requirements under FAR 16.505 delivery/task orders. Key scope areas span research and development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, cybersecurity compliance, and digital engineering integration, emphasizing adherence to Department of Defense data handling and cybersecurity standards such as DFARS 252.204-7012.
Contract award will be based primarily on technical proficiency with a keen focus on propulsion industry relevance and small business participation, utilizing an acceptability rating scheme under Best Value trade-off procedures without discussions, thereby encouraging robust competition among qualified offerors. The solicitation includes mechanisms for on-ramping additional contractors at specified intervals to maintain competition and technological relevance, as well as off-ramping non-performers to safeguard program integrity. The procurement process is supported by comprehensive documentation, including detailed instructions for proposal submission, evaluation criteria, and contract data deliverables governed by DoD standards (e.g., DoD 5010.12 procedures for the CDRL). Task and delivery orders will establish individual schedules and funding, with contract administration functions such as payment, invoicing, and designation of Contracting Officer Representatives managed at the order level. Proposals are to be submitted electronically via the BOX platform, with standard formats and metadata requirements, ensuring streamlined government-industry interaction and compliance with digital environment goals. Notably, explicit packaging, marking, or barcoding requirements and comprehensive Section I contract clauses are handled dynamically per order and are not pre-listed in the base contract documents. Overall, the APAC IDIQ represents a strategic acquisition vehicle designed to enable rapid, innovative propulsion solutions in support of Air Force modernization priorities over a sustained multi-year horizon.
