New Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) for MMHE

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers from an Industry Day event related to the NGAME opportunity. It provides clarifications on various aspects of the upcoming solicitation, including timelines, requirements, and contract structure.

• RFP Release Timeline: The earliest RFI/RFP for the platform will be no earlier than December 2026. The RFP release to proposal due date is expected to be 30-45 days.
• Contract Structure: The contract will be a 10-year contract, with 3 one-year base periods and 7 one-year option periods. There is no cap on the number of awardees for the basic contract.
• Technical Requirements: Technical requirements will be submitted at the order level, not with the RFP release. Design and prototyping phases will be funded at the order level.
• FCL/Security: An FCL/top secret FCL is not required. CMMC Level 2 compliance will be required, but the method (self-certification or audit) will be determined later.
• Small Business Set-Asides: There will be no small business set-asides in the multi-award or task orders.
• EWAAC vs. NGAME: EWAAC is a separate contract vehicle and is not affiliated with NGAME.
• Foreign Participation: Foreign participation will not be allowed.
• Digital Engineering/MBSE: The government is broadly adopting Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Digital twins will be a significant factor in awardee selection, demonstrating alignment with digital transformation goals. Adherence to the 'digital domain' is critical, and failure to do so can lead to off-ramping.

This Q&A document provides crucial details that will inform potential bidders on the structure, requirements, and submission process for the upcoming solicitation. Key areas clarified include the contract timeline, technical submission requirements, security mandates, and the role of digital engineering. Offerors should review these clarifications carefully when preparing their proposals.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation from an Industry Day event held on March 18-19, 2026, concerning the Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) initiative. It outlines the purpose of the event, introduces the team members, defines Munitions Materiel Handling Equipment (MMHE), provides an overview of NGAME(MMHE) including key programs and leadership, lists potential NGAME candidates, explains the NGAME contract structure (IDIQ MAC), details the contract overview and timeline, and presents a plan forward with key dates.

This presentation is relevant to potential bidders as it:

• Introduces the NGAME program: Explains the objective of modernizing munitions portfolio, expanding industrial base readiness, and accelerating innovation.
• Defines scope and candidates: Details MMHE and lists potential NGAME candidates, giving vendors insight into the types of equipment and systems the government is interested in.
• Outlines contract structure: Describes the IDIQ Multiple Award Contract (MAC) with a 9-year period of performance (inclusive of options), including focus areas, evaluation criteria, and tentative pricing arrangements.
• Provides a timeline: Lists key dates for the contracting schedule, including SSS Release, Responses Due, Industry Day, Estimated RFP Release, Estimated Proposal Due, and Estimated Contract Award.
• Sets expectations for communication: States that the team will continue to communicate updates and new/revised documents via SAM.gov.
• Clarifies event nature: Emphasizes that the Industry Day is for informational purposes and not a Request for Proposals (RFP), with any future RFP taking precedence over information shared during the event.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the "NGAME Ordering Guide Instructions" for the Next Generation Ammunition and Munitions Equipment (NGAME) Multiple Award Program. It outlines the procedures for ordering and administration of contracts under this program. The guide details the roles and responsibilities of various parties, the ordering process, and requirements for proposals.

This guide is crucial for potential bidders interested in the NGAME program. It explains:

• Program Scope: The NGAME program aims to provide modern and reliable Munition Handling Equipment (MHE) and is not intended for long-term sustainment or complete production runs.
• Contract Structure: It's a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a potential 10-year period of performance, including five two-year ordering periods.
• Ordering Process: Details the Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR) process, including proposal preparation, submission, and evaluation criteria for Delivery Orders.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clarifies the functions of the Primary Procuring Contracting Officer (PPCO) and Ordering Procuring Contracting Officer (OPCO).
• On-Ramp/Off-Ramp: Explains opportunities for new vendors to join the program and conditions under which awardees may be removed.
• Proposal Requirements: Lists examples of information that may be requested in proposals, such as technical approach, key personnel, and cost/price data.
• Key Deadlines: While specific deadlines are in individual FOPRs, the guide establishes the overall program structure and ordering periods.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This SOO defines the requirement for the rapid and innovative development, production, and fielding of Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) through a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The goal is to modernize the end-to-end life cycle support for Munitions Materiel Handling Equipment (MMHE) for various aircraft platforms.

The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following MMHE focus area categories:

• Production of MMHE capable of transporting, loading, unloading, or assisting buildup of various armaments in different weight classes on aircraft.
• Capabilities to transport various armaments (e.g., bombs, missiles, external stores) over different terrains.
• Design, Development, Integration, Test, and Production of MMHE (e.g., ammunition loaders, transport trailers, handling units, jammers).
• Utilization of Digital Engineering/Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and related tools.
• Innovation and modernization of MMHE.
• Provision of technical orders, maintenance/material manuals, training material, and/or operation manuals.

This MAC is intended for rapid fund execution for design, development, testing, and implementation of new solutions, not for long-term sustainment or build-to-print acquisitions. Delivery Orders will not include Interim Contractor Support (ICS), Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), or Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS).

• Design and develop MMHE for transport, load, unload, or assist buildup of armaments.

• Integrate and test hardware and software into new or existing MMHE.

• Incorporate digital acquisition and sustainment practices (DMM, DE, MBSE, Agile Software, OSA).

• Design and develop innovative, modernized MMHE with advanced technology and open systems architecture.

• Enable rapid and streamlined fielding of next-generation MMHE.

• Develop operation, material/maintenance, training, and technical manuals.

• Use of agile enabling processes (DE, OSA) to accelerate acquisition.

• Exploration and development of new technologies to support and enhance systems, allowing for rapid integration on legacy and new platforms.

• Initiatives for rapid execution of innovative, emerging capabilities, especially those enhancing safety and system reliability.

• Proving new technologies through rapid prototyping, modeling & simulation, and demonstration/test events.

• Program Management support, including Cost, Schedule, and Performance Control, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Status Reports (SR), Systems Engineering, and Technical Data/Provisioning/Configuration Management.

• This is a 10-year IDIQ MAC.

• Each delivery order will have its own performance period and supporting documentation (SOW, Purchase Description, CLINs, CDRLs).

• The NGAME Ordering Guide provides procedures for ordering and administration.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the proposal requirements, instructions, conditions, and notices for the Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) solicitation. It details how offerors should prepare and submit their proposals to be considered eligible for award.

Proposals must be submitted in four separate volumes:

• Volume I: Completed RFP: Includes the signed RFP, amendments, cover letter, DD Form 2345, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (for large businesses), and SPRS information.
• Volume II: Technical Proposal (30 pages max): Must include the NGAME Self-Scoring Matrix, Work Sample Cover Sheets, and up to two (2) recent/relevant work samples substantiating experience in defined Focus Area Categories (OEM manufacture of MMHE/industrial material handling equipment, or delivery of technical/engineering data).
• Volume III: Small Business Participation (8 pages max): Requires a detailed narrative on how offerors will ensure equitable opportunities for small businesses, develop subcontracting goals, and conduct outreach.
• Volume IV: Price: Includes proposed prices for the Post-Award Conference, estimating system information, purchasing system description, accounting system details, and financial capability review information.

The government intends to award multiple contracts under this RFP. The contract type and period of performance are not explicitly detailed in this section but are implied to be for the NGAME Multiple Award Contract (MAC).

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via DoD SAFE or encrypted email. Hard copy deliveries will not be accepted.
• File size limits apply for electronic submissions.
• Offerors must contact the Contracting Team to arrange for encrypted email certificate exchange or DoD SAFE drop-off links at least 7 days prior to submission.
• Evaluation will be based on technical acceptability, small business participation, and price, as detailed in Section M.

Specific set-aside information is not detailed in this document, but Volume III focuses on Small Business Participation goals, including categories like Small Disadvantaged Business, HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

• Noncompliance with instructions may render a proposal ineligible for award.
• Offerors must ensure all "fill-in" information in clauses and provisions is completed.
• Page limitations are strict and exceeding them may result in pages not being evaluated.
• Source Selection Information is CUI and must be handled accordingly.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation basis for the Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) acquisition. The government intends to award multiple contracts using a "Technically Acceptable" source selection methodology, meaning proposals will be evaluated for technical acceptability and small business participation, with price being a factor but not rated. The government reserves the right to not award any contracts.

Proposals will be evaluated based on three factors:

• Factor I: Technical Proposal: Evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis. Requires offerors to demonstrate experience in specific Focus Area Categories (Category 1: Original Equipment Manufacturers for munitions materiel handling equipment; Category 2: Delivery of technical data, engineering data, and supporting documentation). Offerors must submit a self-score matrix with work samples from the last five years, demonstrating expertise in at least one category for a point, with a maximum of two points per sample. A minimum of two points (one from each category) is required for technical acceptability.
• Factor II: Small Business Participation: Evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis. Requires an adequate approach to meeting Small Business Program objectives, including proposed use of Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concerns. Specific goals for FY25 DoD Small Business Subcontracting are provided (e.g., 19.00% for Small Business, 5.00% for SDB).
• Factor III: Price Proposal: Evaluated for reasonableness but not rated. The proposed unit price for the Post Award Conference (PAC) will serve as the Total Evaluated Price (TEP).

Multiple contracts are anticipated. The period of performance and estimated value are not detailed in this document.

• Evaluation Process: The government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct them. Proposals will be evaluated based on the three factors listed above. An unacceptable rating in any factor will render the offeror ineligible for award.
• Volume I (Completed RFP): Must be signed, with all fill-in clauses and provisions completed. Exceptions taken to RFP terms and conditions may render the proposal ineligible.
• DD Form 2345: Must be current and submitted for validation.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Required for large businesses and joint ventures.
• Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS): Offerors should have a current assessment.
• Volume II (Technical Proposal): Evaluated based on the NGAME self-score matrix and substantiating work samples.
• Volume III (Small Business Participation): Evaluated for approach and commitment to small business utilization.
• Volume IV (Price Proposal): Evaluated for reasonableness.
• Key Deadlines: Proposal due date is not specified in this document.

No specific set-aside information is provided in this document. However, small business participation is a key evaluation factor.

• The document is a draft and marked "DRAFT."
• The government will only evaluate one proposal per offeror.
• Cost/Price proposals for individual delivery orders will be provided at the order level.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the "NGAME Ordering Guide Instructions" for the Next Generation Ammunition and Munitions Equipment (NGAME) Multiple Award Program. It outlines the procedures for ordering and administration of contracts under this program. The guide details the roles and responsibilities of various parties, the ordering process, and proposal submission requirements.

This document is crucial for potential bidders interested in the NGAME program. It explains:

• Program Scope: The NGAME program aims to provide modern and reliable Munition Handling Equipment (MHE) through a flexible contracting framework for the full lifecycle of this equipment.
• Contract Structure: It's a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a potential 10-year Period of Performance (POP), including a basic ordering period and four option periods. It also details 'on-ramp' and 'off-ramp' procedures for adding or removing vendors.
• Ordering Process: It describes the Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR) process, including how Delivery Orders are initiated, proposals are submitted and evaluated, and awards are made.
• Roles and Responsibilities: It clarifies the duties of the Primary Procuring Contracting Officer (PPCO) and Ordering Procuring Contracting Officer (OPCO).
• Proposal Requirements: It provides examples of information that may be requested in proposals, such as technical approach, key personnel, and cost/price data.
• Key Dates/Milestones: While specific dates for future solicitations are not provided, it outlines the process for initial Delivery Orders and Post Award Conferences.

Bidders should review this guide to understand the operational framework, requirements for participation in Delivery Orders, and how to prepare competitive proposals within the NGAME program.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This Statement of Objectives (SOO) outlines the requirement for the rapid and innovative development, production, and fielding of Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) through a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The objective is to modernize the end-to-end life cycle support for Munitions Materiel Handling Equipment (MMHE) for various Air Force aircraft platforms.

• Demonstrated production of MMHE capable of transporting, loading, unloading, or assisting the buildup of various armaments.

• Demonstrated capabilities to transport armaments over varied terrain.

• Demonstrated capability in Design/Development/Integration/Test/Production of MMHE (e.g., ammunition loaders, transport trailers).

• Demonstrated capability in using Digital Engineering/Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and associated tools.

• Demonstrated experience in innovating and modernizing MMHE.

• Demonstrated experience in providing technical orders, maintenance/material manuals, and training/operation manuals.

• Design and develop MMHE that can transport, load, unload, or assist buildup of armament.

• Integrate and test hardware and software into new or existing MMHE.

• Incorporate digital acquisition and sustainment practices (Digital Engineering, MBSE, Agile Software, Open System Architecture).

• Develop operation manuals, material/maintenance manuals, training material, and technical orders.

• Contract Type: 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contract (MAC).

• This MAC is intended for rapid fund execution for design, development, testing, and implementation, not for long-term sustainment or full production runs.

• Delivery Orders will not include Interim Contractor Support (ICS), Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), or Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS).

• Use of agile enabling processes (DE, OSA) to accelerate acquisition.

• Exploration and development of new technologies for rapid integration on legacy and new platforms.

• Rapid prototyping, modeling & simulation, and demonstration/test events.

• Program Management support (Cost, Schedule, Performance Control, PMRs, Status Reports, Systems Engineering, Technical Data, Provisioning Data, Configuration Management).

• The NGAME Ordering Guide provides procedures for ordering and administration.

• Individual delivery orders will have their own performance periods and supporting documentation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) for market research regarding the Next Generation Ammunition & Munitions Equipment (NGAME) program. The U.S. Air Force is seeking potential sources with expertise in designing, developing, manufacturing, and sustaining innovative munitions material handling equipment (MMHE). This includes systems like Ammunition Loading Systems, Small Munitions Trailers, Large Munitions Trailers, "Family" of Jammers, and other Munitions Handling Units (MHUs). The goal is to establish a robust industrial vendor base, improve or replace aging assets, and enhance modernization efforts. Nuclear Certification in accordance with AFI 63-125 is a significant emphasis.

• Design, development, testing, manufacturing, and sustaining of MMHE.

• Support for safe handling, transporting, and loading of nuclear and conventional munitions.

• Integration of new hardware/software into existing MMHE.

• Emphasis on digital engineering, including model-based systems engineering and simulation.

• Potential for developmental testing (DT), qualification testing (QT&E), operational testing (OT), and production-related testing.

• The government anticipates awarding a 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contract (MAC).

• The contract will feature on-ramp and off-ramp provisions.

• The anticipated period of performance is a two-year basic period with four, two-year options, totaling ten years.

• The total estimated ceiling for this program is $920M.

• This is a Request for Information (RFI) for planning purposes, not a solicitation for proposals or offers.

• Responses should be submitted via email to Arenina Sullivan-Jones (arenina.sullivan-jones@us.af.mil) and Capt. Kade Waguespack (kade.waguespack@us.af.mil).

• Responses are due no later than close of business on October 14, 2025.

• Data should be in a readable electronic format, with attachments not exceeding 10 MB per email.

• A virtual Industry Day is anticipated for October 29-30, 2025.

• Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate.

• The document includes a Contractor Capability Survey to assess company capabilities.

• Participation in this market research does not guarantee future solicitation participation or contract awards.

• The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation.

• NAICS codes associated with previous procurements are listed, including but not limited to: 332710, 332312, 332510, 332993, 332994, 333922, 333923, 333924, 333999, 334511, 336413, 541330, 541511, 541512, 541614, 541715, 611519, and 811310.