RFI- Industry Input on Acquisition Lifecycle Optimization
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 (AFDW/PK) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry input on optimizing the entire acquisition lifecycle. This Special Notice aims to improve acquisition planning, execution, contract administration, and post-award performance. The Government seeks feedback on efficiencies, barriers to competition, risk reduction, communication methods, and innovative approaches to deliver capabilities to the end-user. Responses are due by July 31, 2026, 21:00 UTC.
Purpose & Background
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue one. The Government's objective is to better understand industry perspectives, particularly on acquisition and evaluation practices that foster innovation and provide meaningful opportunities for differentiated capabilities and emerging solutions. The Air Force is assessing opportunities to improve acquisition outcomes across all phases of procurement.
Requested Information
Respondents are encouraged to provide recommendations, lessons learned, and best practices across eight key acquisition phases:
- Pre-Acquisition / Market Research: Improving participation, valuable early engagement, information sharing, and addressing competition barriers.
- Requirements Development: Ensuring clarity, distinguishing mandatory vs. desired capabilities, reducing risk/cost, and enhancing collaboration.
- Solicitation Development: Improving clarity, reducing ambiguity and burden, and structuring evaluation criteria.
- Evaluation and Award: Balancing speed, fairness, and value; improving transparency; reducing delays; and mitigating protest risk.
- Post-Award Administration: Supporting successful performance, improving communication, and reducing administrative burden.
- Performance, Sustainment, and Closeout: Best practices for outcomes, incentivizing innovation, and incorporating lessons learned.
- Innovation and Commercial Practices: Adopting commercial practices, overcoming barriers for non-traditional vendors, and accelerating timelines.
- Evaluation Approaches that Encourage Innovation: Methods to showcase innovative solutions, fair evaluation structures, and balancing technical compliance with innovation.
Response Instructions
Interested parties should submit responses electronically in PDF or Microsoft Word format. Submissions must include:
- Company name, business size/status, and points of contact.
- Relevant experience or perspective.
- Responses to the provided questions (all or selected sections).
- Any additional recommendations or supporting materials.
Submission Details
- Deadline: July 31, 2026, 21:00 UTC.
- Submission Email: ashley.raymond.2@us.af.mil
- Subject Line: "RFI Response – Acquisition Lifecycle Industry Input"
- Contact: Ashley Raymond, Supervisory Contracting Officer AFDW/PK.
Additional Notes
This RFI encourages responses from both large and small businesses, including traditional and non-traditional contractors. Responses will inform future acquisition strategies and market research.