The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is officially moving forward with a massive $10 billion multiple-award contract (MAC) designed to revolutionize its acquisition of research and development services. This Science and Technology contract serves as a cornerstone for the laboratory’s enterprise-wide strategy to streamline how it partners with industry experts. By establishing a robust pool of qualified contractors, the laboratory intends to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge capabilities across multiple warfighting domains.
Strategic Scope of the $10B AMAC
The newly announced vehicle, known as the AFRL Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (AMAC), features a comprehensive five-year base period supplemented by three one-year options. This long-term structure ensures that the Department of the Air Force maintains a steady pipeline of innovation through 2033. Unlike previous directorate-specific agreements, this Science and Technology contract operates at the enterprise level, providing an agile framework to meet unclassified research needs globally.
Organizations participating in this vehicle will support four primary technical areas:
- Air Domain: Developing advanced air vehicles and hypersonic technologies.
- Space Domain: Enhancing space situational awareness and on-orbit autonomy.
- Cyberspace & Electronic Warfare: Securing communications and networks.
- Cross-Cutting Capabilities: Advancing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science.
Opportunities in Government Contracting
For those active in Government Contracting, this solicitation represents one of the most significant R&D opportunities of the decade. The procurement is advertised as full and open competition, allowing a wide range of industry partners to compete for a seat on the vehicle. While the government guarantees a minimum of $500 per awardee, the $10 billion ceiling highlights the massive scale of potential task orders.
This initiative is a prime example of how GovCon News tracks the shift toward consolidated, high-value contract vehicles that prioritize speed and flexibility. Industry leaders must submit their questions and company profiles by January 9 to ensure they are positioned for this transformative opportunity.
Driving Mission Success Through R&D
The work performed under this Science and Technology contract will encompass everything from basic and applied research to digital architecture and systems integration. By focusing on multi-domain sensing and autonomous mission sets, the laboratory aims to provide warfighters with superior decision-making tools in contested environments. This strategic investment ensures that the United States remains at the forefront of global defense innovation.
