USAF F-16 Next-Generation Mission Compute (NGMC) Upgrade for Combat Capabilities for F-16, Blocks 40/42/50/52
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) has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for the USAF F-16 Next-Generation Mission Compute (NGMC) Upgrade for F-16 Blocks 40/42/50/52. This RFI seeks to identify potential sources, including small businesses, with the capabilities to design, develop, manufacture, and integrate a next-generation mission compute solution. The NGMC aims to significantly increase reliability and processing performance while maintaining compatibility with existing F-16 infrastructure. Responses are due by June 29, 2026, at 1700 ET.
Scope of Work
The NGMC subsystem will replace the F-16 Post-Block Modular Mission Computer (MMC) for both USAF and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Partners. It must be a form, fit, and function (FFF) replacement, supporting current F-16 functional requirements and rehosting the legacy MMC Operational Flight Program (OFP). The solution will pivot to a modern, software-defined architecture, utilizing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) based on SOSA standards for hardware and the Agile Mission Suite (AMS) Government Reference Architecture (GRA) for software. Key goals include breaking vendor lock, preferring COTS/modified COTS, establishing physical separation of safety-critical and mission-critical compute resources, and creating a common, automated development ecosystem with a CI/CD pipeline. High-level system requirements are detailed in the controlled Attachment 2.
Requested Information (Capability Statement)
Respondents must submit a concise capability statement (not exceeding 20 pages) addressing:
- Company Information: Basic data (Name, CAGE, UEI), business size/socioeconomic status, facility clearance level (FCL), and points of contact.
- Technical & Manufacturing Capabilities: Approach to processing, thermal, and SWaP-C constraints; experience with MOSA/SOSA compliance, AMS GRA, and rehosting legacy OFP; relevant fixed-wing aircraft avionics experience; manufacturing readiness (LRIP to FRP); supply chain security (SAE AS5553); FMS compatibility and exportability; and data rights for existing products.
- Past Performance: Up to three recent and relevant examples (within 5 years) of designing/manufacturing ruggedized avionics or mission computers for DoW airborne platforms.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- NAICS Code: 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC: 1680 – Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories And Components
- Set-Aside: No specific set-aside for this RFI; market research includes small businesses.
- Response Due: June 29, 2026, 1700 ET
- Published: May 29, 2026
- Industry Day: The Government intends to host an Industry Day; details will be provided in a separate announcement.
Additional Notes
This is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. All submissions must be unclassified, with CUI handled per DoW regulations. Questions should be directed to Jason Brown (jason.brown.148@us.af.mil) or Zaria Gray-Goodnight (zaria.gray-goodnight@us.af.mil). Responses must use Attachment 1 – Response Submittal Template.