Complete guide to Air Force procurement, AFWERX innovation programs, and winning contracts with the U.S. Air Force.
The United States Air Force is responsible for air and space operations across the military. As the second-largest component of the Department of Defense by budget, the Air Force manages annual procurement exceeding $40 billion. The Air Force procures aircraft, missiles, space systems, information technology, and extensive support services. Understanding the Air Force's organizational structure and procurement priorities is essential for contractors seeking Air Force business.
The Air Force's acquisition authority is distributed across several major commands. Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) oversees the majority of Air Force procurement and is responsible for acquisition, sustainment, and logistics. AFMC operates numerous Air Force Plant locations and manages large procurement programs. The Space Force, established in 2019 as a separate military department, handles space-related acquisitions.
Key Air Force acquisition centers include: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for weapons system acquisition; Air Force Global Strike Command for strategic systems; Air Mobility Command for transport and tanker aircraft; Pacific Air Forces for regional operations; Air Combat Command for fighter aircraft; and Air Force Special Operations Command for specialized missions.
Major procurement categories include: Fighter aircraft including the F-35 program; Transport and tanker aircraft; Missiles and weapons; Space launch and satellite systems; Air defense systems; Information technology and cyber; Command and control systems; Logistics and sustainment; Research and development; Personnel training and support services.
What distinguishes Air Force procurement is the emphasis on rapid technology insertion, innovation, and the integration of space capabilities into air operations. The Air Force has established multiple initiatives to accelerate technology adoption and reduce cycle times from concept to deployment.
Air Force procurement follows FAR/DFARS like all DoD, but the Air Force has implemented several unique approaches to accelerate innovation and reduce acquisition timelines. The Air Force has established the Agile Acquisition approach, which emphasizes rapid prototyping, experimentation, and iterative development rather than lengthy specification-driven requirements definition.
The Air Force's major acquisition programs follow a phased approach: Concept Refinement, Technology Development, Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), Production, and Operations and Support. Programs can enter at different phases depending on technology maturity. The Air Force is increasingly using prototype competitions to evaluate competing technologies before committing to full-scale development.
Key Air Force acquisition commands include Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which manages most major Air Force programs. AFLCMC has program executive offices (PEOs) organized by mission area: Fighters, Bombers, Mobility, and others. Specific program offices within PEOs manage individual programs.
The Air Force uses various contract vehicles including traditional competitive contracts, IDIQ contracts for services, and increasingly, OTA agreements for technology development and prototyping. SBIR programs are significant sources of innovation funding for small businesses.
Timeline for major Air Force programs is typically 5+ years from concept to production decision, with production timelines extending another 5-10+ years. However, the Air Force is working to compress these timelines through initiatives like rapid prototyping and competitive demonstrations.
The Air Force places significant emphasis on contractor past performance, compliance with schedule and cost targets, and technical risk management. Programs that run over schedule or budget face increased scrutiny and potential contract restructuring or re-competition.
AFWERX Innovation Program
AFWERX (Air Force Warfighter Exploitation of Real-Time Information Exchange) is the Air Force's innovation program specifically designed to accelerate adoption of commercial technology and engage non-traditional defense contractors. AFWERX uses OTA agreements, conducts competitions and challenges, and operates accelerator programs. AFWERX focuses on areas including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics. Companies can submit ideas directly to AFWERX through multiple venues including open challenges, pitch events, and direct submissions.
F-35 Lightning II Program
The F-35 program is the largest and longest-running fighter aircraft program. With over 3,000 aircraft planned and continuous sustainment requirements, the program generates enormous opportunity for suppliers. The F-35 is built and sustained by a global supply chain managed by Lockheed Martin. Opportunities exist for engine suppliers (Pratt & Whitney), avionics suppliers, structural components, and sustainment services.
B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber
The B-21 Raider is a next-generation strategic bomber program being developed by Northrop Grumman. This classified program represents cutting-edge technology development. Although visibility into specific opportunities is limited due to classification, suppliers to Northrop Grumman and established defense contractors are positioned for B-21 work.
Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program
NGAD is the Air Force's effort to develop next-generation fighter aircraft and a family of unmanned vehicles to supplement manned fighters. The program includes advanced avionics, propulsion, weapons, and autonomous systems. Multiple contractors are competing in development phases, with opportunities for suppliers of advanced materials, sensors, and subsystems.
Space Force Space Systems Programs
As a separate military department, the Space Force manages space launches, satellite communications, position/navigation/timing (GPS), space surveillance, and related systems. Programs include the Space Launch System, evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV), next-generation satellite constellations, and ground control systems. Space contractors and suppliers have significant opportunity in this growing segment.
Cloud Computing and IT Modernization
The Air Force is undergoing massive IT modernization. The Air Force Cloud Computing Initiative, IT infrastructure modernization, and cybersecurity initiatives represent substantial opportunities for IT, software, and services companies. The Air Force is actively seeking commercial cloud solutions and IT modernization services.
Agile Approach and Rapid Prototyping
The Air Force's commitment to agile development and rapid prototyping creates opportunities for technology developers to build prototypes and conduct experiments. Programs like Demonstration and Experimentation (DemEx) initiatives allow companies to prototype and test technologies quickly without following traditional lengthy development cycles.
Step 1: Identify Your Air Force Customer
The Air Force is large and diverse. Identify which Air Force major command or acquisition center is most relevant to your offering. Is it aircraft systems (AFLCMC)? Space systems? IT and cyber? Each has different technical requirements, timelines, and procurement approaches. Research the specific program offices that align with your capability.
Step 2: Research AFWERX as Entry Point
AFWERX is explicitly designed to engage non-traditional and innovative contractors. If your technology addresses Air Force challenges, AFWERX should be a primary focus. AFWERX conducts regular solicitations, challenges, and pitch events. Winning an AFWERX contract can lead to broader Air Force relationships and provide proof of concept for larger programs.
Step 3: Build SAM Registration and Certifications
Standard SAM registration is required. Additionally, research quality certifications that may be needed. For aerospace work, AS9100 certification is often required. For IT work, cybersecurity certifications may be required. The Air Force is increasingly focused on cybersecurity across the supply chain, so demonstrating cybersecurity capabilities and compliance is valuable.
Step 4: Understand Agile Development Approaches
The Air Force is moving away from traditional waterfall development toward agile approaches. If your company has agile development expertise, this is highly relevant to Air Force needs. Demonstrating experience with rapid prototyping, iterative development, and continuous delivery will make your company more attractive to Air Force program managers.
Step 5: Consider Rapid Prototype Competitions
The Air Force frequently conducts prototype competitions to evaluate competing technologies. These competitions often have much faster timelines (6-18 months) than traditional development programs. Participating in prototype competitions can build your track record with the Air Force and lead to larger development programs.
Step 6: Establish Relationships with Prime Contractors
Major Air Force prime contractors include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and others. Becoming a qualified supplier to these primes is often the fastest path to Air Force work. Many primes conduct supplier summits and maintain supplier development programs.
Step 7: Pursue SBIR Contracts
The Air Force has robust SBIR programs across multiple focus areas. Small businesses should identify Air Force SBIR topics that align with their technology. Winning Phase I and II SBIR contracts can lead to transition to larger Air Force programs.
Step 8: Attend Air Force Events and Conferences
The Air Force and its contractors hold numerous industry conferences, technical symposiums, and outreach events. Major events include Air Force Association conferences, individual base industry days, and warfare center technology conferences. Attending these events provides opportunities to meet Air Force program managers and network with contractors.
Step 9: Focus on Open Architecture and Modular Design
The Air Force is increasingly focused on open architecture and modular design that allows rapid technology insertion and integration of commercial technology. Designing your products with modularity and open standards in mind aligns with Air Force procurement preferences and makes your technology more attractive for integration into Air Force systems.