Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F)
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 Department of the Air Force, AFLCMC ROKB, is soliciting proposals for the Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F) program. This effort requires the development, manufacture, and sustainment of a common armament tester for F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms, capable of testing Preload, Clean Wing, and Fault Isolation Requirements at both O-Level and I-Level maintenance. Proposals are due by May 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The CAT-F system will include O-Level handheld testers, I-Level functional and fault isolation testers, and aircraft-specific cable and adapter kits. The basic contract period focuses on prototype design and digital development for O-Level and I-Level testers. Estimated prototype quantities are two each for F-16, F-15, and A-10 O-Level Handheld Testers. Subsequent options will cover Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and production, with estimated quantities including 303 F-16 O-Level, 172 F-15 O-Level, 68 A-10 O-Level, 143 F-16 I-Level, 80 F-15 I-Level, and 42 A-10 I-Level testers. The system must be cyber secure, nuclear certified, and utilize a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA).
Contract Details
This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, utilizing a mix of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost Reimbursement-No Fee (CR-NF) pricing arrangements. The period of performance includes a 1-year basic period and four 1-year options. The minimum contract value is $10,000.00, with a maximum potential value of $427,500,000.00. The NAICS code is 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals) with a 750-employee size standard, and the PSC is 4920 (Aircraft Maintenance And Repair Shop Specialized Equipment). There is no set-aside specified.
Acquisition & Evaluation
The acquisition will employ Tradeoff Source Selection Procedures, involving an initial source selection to award up to two IDIQ contracts for CAT-F System Design, followed by a final downselect to at least one contractor after Critical Design Review (CDR). Evaluation factors include Technical (Systems Engineering, Statement of Work, MOSA Utilization, Intellectual Property Rights), Small Business Participation, and Cost/Price, with technical factors being significantly more important. The downselect process will evaluate prototype reviews and vendor documentation.
Key Updates & Submission
Multiple amendments have been issued, extending the proposal due date to the current May 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM EDT. Recent amendments (0004, 0005) incorporated new clauses (e.g., DEI Discrimination, Subcontracts for Commercial Products), revised the use of non-government advisors, and updated attachments. Proposal Volume II (Technical Proposal) page limit has been increased to 130 pages. Offerors must submit only one proposal, and no alternative proposals are accepted. An Intellectual Property Plan is required via CDRL. All comments and questions should be directed to PCO Brandi Owens (brandi.owens@us.af.mil) or Contract Specialist Adam Hudson (adam.hudson.4@us.af.mil).