Air Force Revises Acquisition Strategy, Inviting More Players To Competition

The U.S. Air Force has updated its strategy for the Next-Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) program and reopened the competition for a contract to supply the F-16 ejection seats, with the potential to compete on additional platforms in the future.

This decision comes after analyzing responses to the Sources Sought notice in August 2024 which provided information from industry partners that enabled insight and technical input from potential vendors.

The Air Force previously awarded Collins Aerospace a sole-source contract for the F-15 NGES in 2020 based on existing assessments of technology and market research that were eventually deemed outdated. Armed with new data, evolving operational demands, and updated market research, the Air Force has revised its acquisition strategy for the F-16 and F-22.

As a result, a new RFP will be released allowing additional companies to compete for the NGES contract.

Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics said, “The decision to re-open the competition underscores our commitment to continually assess our strategies to ensure we meet warfighter needs and timelines. By reassessing market conditions and fostering competition, we ensure industry delivers the best possible solutions for both current and future Air Force requirements.”

The Air Force will continue with the current work with Collins Aerospace to develop, integrate, and field the F-15 NGES. Hunter reaffirmed that the work with Collins remains vital saying, “Our priority is to stay flexible and responsive to emerging technologies while keeping existing programs on schedule to meet operational needs.”

Although the reintroduction of competition focuses on the F-16, later decisions could add other platforms including the F-22 and B-1.

FMI:  www.af.mil/