Advanced Propulsion Aquisition Contract (APAC) IDIQ

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the Government to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the APAC solicitation.

• Submission Deadline: The Government will not extend the current submission deadline of April 13, 2026.
• Eligibility: The solicitation is open to all small and non-small (large) companies. All Offerors must complete the Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD), which is an evaluation factor. Non-small (large) businesses must also submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan, though it is not an evaluation factor.
• Recency Requirement ('Completion'): The term 'completion' for recency requirements can include significant milestone achievements and/or major deliverables for past or ongoing efforts, provided these occurred within the last five years.
• Scope: The RFP is not limited to gas turbine engines for fixed-wing aircraft; it covers broader propulsion enterprise program requirements.
• Period of Performance (PoP): The contract has a 5-year base with a 5-year option, totaling a 10-year ordering period. The total PoP is 15 years, allowing for completion of work awarded during the ordering period.
• SBPCD Submission: Offerors must submit the entirety of the completed SBPCD; tailoring or submitting only fill-in sections is not permitted. Additional names for the SBPCD can be listed on a separate page and do not count against the page limit.
• Tables: Tables are considered figures and/or diagrams.
• Headers/Footers: Headers and footers are exempt from font requirements and will not be evaluated.
• Table of Contents (TOC): All titled (sub)paragraphs must be included in the TOC. The TOC should be for the entire proposal and located in Volume 1, Section 1. It does not count against page limitations. Separate TOCs for each volume are not required.
• Electronic Submission 'Tab Index': Pages in the TOC must be linked to the associated content in the proposal.
• Fill-in Clauses: Offerors must complete all applicable fill-in clauses throughout Sections A-J.
• Multiple Proposals: Only one proposal is authorized per parent CAGE code. Subsidiary company proposals will be considered duplicates. An on-ramping opportunity for additional business areas/CAGE codes will be processed after the initial award.

These clarifications provide essential details on eligibility, submission requirements, proposal content, and contract structure, directly impacting how bidders prepare and submit their proposals. No extension to the submission deadline was granted.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the government to industry questions regarding the solicitation.

• Volume II Page Limit: The completed SBPCD (Attachment #7) counts towards the 12-page limit for Volume II. The SBPCD form is 6 pages, leaving 6 pages for Subfactors 1 and 2 combined.
• SOW Distribution: The Statement of Work (SOW) for Delivery Order (DO) 1 is limited to U.S. DoD Contractors only, as stated on the SOW Cover Page. International affiliate sharing is not permitted under this distribution limitation.
• Scope Confirmation: The solicitation is focused on Aircraft propulsion. Solid Rocket Motors are not included. Low noise counter rotating ducted fans fall within the scope, as indicated by references to Section L, 4.1.1.11 (Propulsion Design) and 4.1.1.8 (Prototyping).
• Number of Detailed Efforts: The government expects three detailed efforts in total: two for Subfactor 1 and one for Subfactor 2. Only two Task Areas are required for Subfactor 1.
• Fair Opportunity: All offerors selected for award will be given a fair opportunity to be considered for each Future Opportunity (FOPR), regardless of the Task Areas addressed in their submitted detailed efforts.

These clarifications refine the page limitations for proposal volumes, confirm the scope of work, and specify the number of required detailed efforts. Bidders should adjust their proposal preparation accordingly, particularly regarding the page count for Volume II and the focus of their detailed effort submissions.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ). The contract aims to enable the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) to rapidly develop technologies for novel propulsion capabilities, implement unique solutions, advance new technologies, and provide evolutionary, revolutionary, and disruptive capabilities for the U.S. Air Force and strategic partners. It supports rapid response across all lifecycle phases of propulsion development, including technology maturation, concept development, integration, procurement, production, fielding, operations, and sustainment, while maximizing the use of the digital environment.

The contract focuses on the enhancement of propulsion technology across the life cycle, including but not limited to:

• Science and Technology (S&T)
• Research and Development (R&D)
• Test and Evaluation (T&E)
• Integration and Assembly
• Production and Fielding
• Operations and Sustainment (O&S)
• Modernization
• Prototyping
• Experimentation
• Hardware and Software Modifications
• Propulsion Design
• Data Mining, Collection, and Analysis

Tasks under this contract will be issued via Delivery/Task Orders (DO/TOs). Orders will be competitively awarded using FAR 16.505(b)(1) fair opportunity processes, or sole-sourced per FAR 16.505(b)(2). Deliverables will be in accordance with Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), with specific items defined at the DO/TO level.

• Program Management: Planning, coordination, organization, execution, digital management, financial reporting, subcontractor management, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) management.
• Logistics: Support for advanced repair/maintenance, predictive maintenance, sustainment engineering, technical orders, initial spares packages, support equipment, and Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HMMP).
• Systems Engineering: Life-cycle cost analysis, reliability, maintainability, safety, producibility, survivability, hazardous material analysis, system security, requirements analysis, affordability, risk management, digital engineering, design, cybersecurity integration, and technical planning.
• Configuration Management: Systematic tracking, control, and reporting of changes to baselines, including audits and product support engineering documentation.
• Test and Evaluation (T&E): Participation in T&E activities, test planning, execution, data evaluation, and support for government testing.
• Production: Manufacture and delivery of propulsion end items, spare parts, and support equipment.
• Security: Management of deliverables ranging from Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information/Special Access Required (TS//SCI//SAR). This includes personnel and facility security requirements, adherence to the NISPOM, and handling of CUI.
• Cybersecurity: Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive cybersecurity program, integrating it with systems engineering, implementing requirement-driven security, vulnerability management, and collaboration on security controls.

Data rights will be subject to FAR Part 27 and DFARS Subparts 227 and 227.71. The government generally intends to acquire data rights for most solutions. Specific data rights and CDRL requirements will be defined at the DO/TO level.

A comprehensive list of applicable documents, including regulations, handbooks, and standards, is provided in Section 5.0.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, Section L - Instructions to Offerors, provides guidance for submitting proposals for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ). The APAC IDIQ aims to create an agile and rapid acquisition vehicle for propulsion enterprise program requirements, to be fulfilled through Delivery Orders (DOs) and Task Orders (TOs). Funding for this contract is not presently available and will utilize future Air Force, inter-agency, and outside agency funds. The contract is not intended for Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS). Proposals will be evaluated on an incremental, first-in, first-out basis.

The proposal must be clear, concise, and provide sufficient detail to demonstrate the Offeror's ability to meet stated requirements. It should not merely restate requirements but offer convincing rationale. Elaborate brochures or embellishments are discouraged.

This is a MAC IDIQ contract. Specific prices, contract types, delivery requirements, and period of performance will be determined at the DO/TO level. An initial DO will be awarded concurrently with the basic contract.

• Proposal Due Date: 13 Apr 2026, 1500 EST.
• Submission Method: Electronic copy via DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). No hard copies accepted.
• Proposal Validity Period: 180 calendar days from the proposal due date.
• Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated based on information provided. Early submission is encouraged. The Government may award based on initial proposals without discussion/negotiations.

Proposals are to be organized into two main volumes:

• Volume I - Contractual and Administrative Information: Includes Cover Letter with Executive Summary (max 4 pages), Contract Documentation (SF 33, Sections A-J), Ground Rules/Assumptions, Exceptions, Other Submissions (OCI Plan, Compliance Statement, SBSP), and Glossary.

• Volume II - Technical Proficiency: Includes Subfactor 1 (Technical Capability - two efforts), Subfactor 2 (Propulsion Industry Relevance - one effort), and Subfactor 3 (Small Business Participation Commitment Document - SBPC). Each effort described must have been completed within the past five years.

• Volume III - Proposal for Delivery Order 01 (DO1): Includes a commitment letter for a virtual Post Award Orientation Conference (PAOC) and a Price Proposal (submitted in Excel format, fixed price of $1,000).

• Foreign firms or U.S. companies with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) may participate, but limitations may apply to future DO/TO competitions.

• Small businesses are not required to submit a Subcontracting Plan but must understand FAR 52.219.

• Non-small businesses must submit a Subcontracting Plan. The NAICS code for this contract is 336412 (Engines & Engine Parts) with a size standard of 1,500 employees.

• Funds are not presently available; no award will be made until funds are available.

• The Government reserves the right to change the total number of contracts awarded or to make no award.

• No classified information is permitted in proposals.

• Offerors must request a DoD SAFE link at least three (3) business days prior to the submission date.

• Government Point of Contact (POC) for questions: Tanner Alley (tanner.alley@us.af.mil) and Contracting Specialists Benjamin Fink (benjamin.fink.2@us.af.mil) and Capt. Caelan Campbell (caelan.campbell.1@us.af.mil). Questions are due by 1500 on 13 Apr 2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, FA862626RB002, is for the enhancement of propulsion technologies throughout their lifecycle, from concept exploration to operations and sustainment. This includes research and development, test and evaluation, production, fielding, and modeling and simulation.

• The core effort involves the enhancement of propulsion technologies.

• Support is required in accordance with the Statement of Work (Attachment 5).

• Delivery of data is required in accordance with IDIQ Attachment 1, Contract Data Requirements List.

• This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• The total Period of Performance is fifteen (15) years from the award date.

• The ceiling for this IDIQ contract is $16.1 billion.

• Delivery orders may be issued for various contract types, including Firm Fixed Price, Fixed Price Incentive Firm, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost, and others deemed appropriate.

• Proposals are due by 03:00 PM local time on April 13, 2026.

• Late submissions, modifications, and withdrawals are subject to Section L, Provision Number 52.214-7 or 52.215-1.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Section M.

• The document indicates it is a "SEALED BID (IFB) INVITATION FOR BID" or "NEGOTIATED (RFP) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL".

• Specific set-aside information is not detailed in the provided sections but may be found in other parts of the solicitation.

• The solicitation number is FA862626RB002.

• The NAICS code is 336412 with a Size Standard of 1500 Employees.

• The Product Service Code is AC15.

• The minimum guarantee will be the negotiated price of the Delivery Order 1 base.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation factors for award for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC), a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The government intends to award contracts to all qualifying offerors who submit technically acceptable proposals.

Proposals will be evaluated based on Factor 1: Technical Proficiency, which includes three subfactors:

• Subfactor 1: Technical Capability: Offerors must submit two detailed efforts demonstrating capability in areas such as Science & Technology, Research and Development, Test and Evaluation, Integration and Assembly, Production and Fielding, Operations and Sustainment, Modernization, Prototyping, Experimentation, Hardware and Software Modification, Propulsion Design, and Data Mining, Collection, and Analysis. Each effort must describe the Offeror's role, the challenge addressed, actions taken, and results achieved.

• Subfactor 2: Propulsion Industry Relevance (PIR): Offerors must describe one effort demonstrating prior experience in propulsion-relevant technologies.

• Subfactor 3: Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD): Offerors must provide a realistic and credible approach to small business utilization.

• This is a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• The government intends to award to all qualifying offerors.

• Initial Delivery Orders (DOs) will be for $1,000.00 to participate in a post-award orientation conference (PAOC).

• Potential future on-ramp opportunities are planned.

• Proposals will be evaluated for acceptability in Factor 1, Technical Proficiency, but will not be ranked.

• Factor 1, Subfactors 1 and 2 are of equal importance and significantly more important than Subfactor 3.

• Offerors must receive an acceptable rating for all three subfactors to be eligible for award.

• The government reserves the right to award based on initial proposals without discussions/negotiations.

• Proposals must comply with all solicitation requirements, terms and conditions, and submission instructions (Section L).

• Page limitations will be enforced.

• No specific small business minimum quantitative requirement is specified for the contract, but SB utilization will be considered for all DO/TOs.

• Offerors must also submit a Compliance Statement, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Plan, and a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

• The first Delivery Order (DO1) proposed price must be exactly $1,000.00 and will be evaluated for reasonableness and balanced pricing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Solicitation (FA8626-25-R-B008) for an Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC). It establishes the requirements for a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) with an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) structure. The primary focus of this solicitation is the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and its general instructions.

• The solicitation details the requirements for data to be delivered by the contractor, including submittal, approval, and distribution processes.

• Contractors are expected to utilize best commercial practices and referenced guidance.

• Data preparation must conform to quality requirements specified on the CDRL for each data item.

• Data submittals must adhere to security guidelines (DD Form 254) and be provided at an unclassified level where possible. Classified data beyond Secret SAR level requires a separate annex.

• Delivery methods include Electronic Delivery/Availability (via government-approved server or email) and Other Electronic Formats (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD ROM).

• Text files should be in MS-Word format with copy/paste capability and populated metadata.

• Non-text documents must be accompanied by an MS-Word document and follow filename conventions.

• Shared data items are subject to specific government requirements.

• All data must be submitted in English.

• The contract type is Multiple Award Contract (MAC) with an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) structure.

• Data submittals require a letter of transmittal including specific details (POC, contract number, document title, etc.).

• Data submittal dates are generally the date of Government receipt, with specific rules for weekends and holidays.

• Approval of data submittals is indicated by 'A' in Block 8 of DD Form 1423-1. Approval/disapproval or corrective action is required within 30 calendar days.

• Disapproved data must be revised and resubmitted within 30 calendar days.

• Revisions to documents must include a revision page detailing the reason, identification, and administrative instructions.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, which focuses on CDRLs.

• The document includes a comprehensive list of possible Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) with associated titles and DI numbers, which bidders may need to reference for specific deliverables.

• Distribution statements (A-F) are detailed, indicating how technical data can be disseminated.

• An example transmittal letter is provided as Attachment 1.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract aims to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) with the capacity to rapidly develop and implement novel propulsion technologies and system concepts. This SOW specifically applies to Delivery Order (DO) 1 for the APAC IDIQ contract.

This contract ensures the contractor understands the intent and mechanics for issuing Fair Opportunity Proposal Requests (FOPRs) for the APAC MAC IDIQ. It also provides an opportunity for the contractor to present additional propulsion capabilities.

Not explicitly detailed in this section, but the contractor is required to provide a presentation.

Not specified in this document.

• Attend a one-hour virtual post-award orientation conference (PAOC).
• Provide a 30-minute briefing to the Government to discuss future areas of capability relevant to propulsion technology, identify benefits of current and future capabilities, and highlight company strengths.
• Presentation materials must be submitted to the PCO via email or DOD SAFE no later than five business days prior to the PAOC.

Includes a list of 44 relevant documents, such as AFMC Guiding Principles, AFMANs, DOD Instructions, DODDs, MIL-HDBKs, and NIST publications, related to acquisition, technology, program protection, system safety, and risk management.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an Industry User Guide for the Advanced Propulsion Acquisition Contract (APAC), a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) with an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) structure. It provides guidance for the solicitation FA8626-25-R-B008, dated January 8, 2026, issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Propulsion Directorate.

This guide outlines the processes for awarding Delivery Orders (DOs) and Task Orders (TOs) under the APAC IDIQ contract. It details:

• The Fair Opportunity Process for order awards, including advance notices and the use of Fair Opportunity Proposal Requests (FOPRs).
• Exceptions to the fair opportunity process.
• Evaluation criteria for awarding orders, which may include Technical Approach/Risk, Past Performance, and Price/Cost.
• The proposal submission process, including the use of the Box platform for communication and submission.
• Requirements for technical and cost/price proposals.
• Information on "on-ramping" new contractors and "off-ramping" non-performing contractors.

This document pertains to an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Specific contract types, periods of performance, and estimated values for individual orders will be detailed in the FOPRs.

• Proposals for orders will be submitted via the Box platform.

• Evaluation criteria will be outlined in individual FOPRs and may include Technical Approach/Risk, Past Performance, and Price/Cost.

• A minimum of seven (7) calendar days, or up to sixty (60) calendar days, may be provided for proposal submission, as specified in the FOPR.

• The FOPR may be set aside for Small Business (SB) contractors if multiple capable SB sources are found.

• FAR 52.219 provisions regarding business size and socio-economic category are relevant.

• The designated DO/TO ombudsman is Col Cecilia I. Montes De Oca.

• All communications and proposal submissions for orders will primarily occur through the Box platform.

• Contractors are not authorized to commence work before a signed DO/TO or written approval.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD). It is required to fulfill Subfactor 3: SBPCD requirement for the solicitation. The information provided will be used to evaluate the offeror's proposed participation and commitment to using U.S. small businesses in the performance of the contract and any future orders.

• Section 1: SMALL BUSINESSES
  • a. Small Business Type(s): Checkboxes for Small Business Prime and specific categories (SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB).
  • b. Percentages of Work Planned: Fields to enter the total percentage of work planned for Small Businesses and Other than Small Businesses (must total 100%).
  • c. Indicate Percentage Planned by Type of Small Business: Fields to break down the planned small business percentage by specific categories.
  • d. Prime Offeror: Fields for Prime Offeror's Business Name, CAGE Code, and NAICS Code(s).
  • e. Small Businesses Other Than Prime Offeror: Table to list names, CAGE codes, NAICS codes, and applicable small business categories (SDB, WOSB, HUBZ, VOSB, SDVOSB) of potential subcontractors, teaming partners, or joint venture partners.
  • f. Extent of Commitment: Table to describe the type of commitment (e.g., written contract, verbal, joint venturing) for listed small businesses.
• Section 2: OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESSES
  • Similar fields as Section 1, but for offerors who are not small businesses, detailing their planned participation with small businesses.

Offerors must complete this form with their best estimate of future awards. It is crucial for demonstrating commitment to small business participation, which is an evaluation factor. The document guides how to report prime and subcontractor small business utilization and the nature of those commitments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing template for the APAC Staffing Proposal, specifically for the post-award conference. Offerors must use this template to detail their proposed pricing for the conference.

• Instructions: Offerors must complete the staffing proposal without manipulating the table or deviating from provided hours. Any exceptions require justification. The total proposed price for the post-award conference must be exactly $1,000.
• Staffing Proposal (Tab-2): Requires identification and proposal of fully burdened labor rates for up to four (4) personnel attending the conference. Proposed labor rates should reflect approximately 60 minutes of effort.
• Ground Rules and Assumptions (Tab-3): Offerors must provide ground rules and assumptions related to the proposed price and preparation.

This template is critical for bidders to accurately price their proposal for the post-award conference. Adherence to the $1,000 total price and the structure of the staffing proposal is mandatory for award eligibility. Bidders must carefully complete all required fields, including labor categories, fully burdened labor rates, and justifications for any deviations, to ensure compliance with the solicitation requirements.