Request for Information (RFI) for B-52 Advanced Wing Weapons Pylon (AWWP)
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 U.S. Air Force is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for the B-52 Advanced Wing Weapons Pylon (AWWP). This RFI seeks to identify industry capabilities for designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing a replacement or modified pylon to meet advanced performance requirements for the B-52. Responses are due by July 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The program aims to modernize the B-52's weapon carriage capabilities. Key requirements for the AWWP include:
- Weight Capacity: Carriage of munitions up to 20,000 lbs.
- Integration: Compatibility with MIL-STD-1760E and existing B-52 systems, including specific electrical interfaces.
- Certification: Dual conventional and nuclear certification capability.
- Engineering: Expertise in digital engineering, airworthiness certification, and aerospace production.
- Production: Initial requirement for 20-24 pylons, with at least 12 delivered in the first year, and a long-term need for approximately 130 pylons. An estimated 36-month timeline for design approval (CDR) is anticipated.
- Program Management: Capabilities in Earned Value Management (EVM), configuration management, counterfeit prevention, and obsolescence management.
- Security: Compliance with CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and specific facility/personnel security requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Product Service Code: 1560 (Airframe Structural Components)
- Response Due: July 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 20, 2026
- Set-Aside: Small businesses are highly encouraged to participate.
Submission & Evaluation
Responses should be submitted in MS Word or Adobe PDF format, not exceeding 20 single-sided pages (12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins). Content must detail responses to sections 3.0 through 7.0 of the RFI document, highlighting experience with fixed-wing military aircraft, particularly the B-52. Responses will be used to assess industry capabilities and refine the government's acquisition strategy.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to procurement. Unsolicited pricing proposals or marketing material will not be evaluated. Respondents must identify their business size per NAICS 336411 and socioeconomic status.