The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) $10B Multiple Award Contract RFP was released earlier this morning. This solicitation supports the consolidation Science and Technology research acquisition across all AFRL directorates. This enterprise-wide vehicle will support unclassified R&D in air, space, cyber, and cross-cutting technology domains, providing a streamlined path for the industrial base to compete for Air Force research work.
The current RFP is unrestricted and full and open, and the follow-up on ramps are scheduled to include a Small Business path, with multiple set-aside options. This structure signals AFRL’s commitment to expanding the industrial base and ensuring small businesses have a clear path to support S&T programs across all four technical domains.
OPPORTUNITY SNAPSHOT
- Opportunity: AFRL Multiple Award Contract (MAC)
- Agency: Air Force Research Laboratory
- Value: $10B (combined ceiling)
- Final RFP: TODAY, January 22, 2026
- Submissions Due: February 27, 2026
- Expected Award: September 2026
- Contract Type: Multiple-award IDIQ
- Duration: 5-year base + 3 one-year options
- Award Structure: Unrestricted (Next On-Ramp will include Small Business)
- Security: No clearance required for base contract
- Key Feature: Continuous on-ramping after initial awards
4 Technical Domains:
- Air Domain: Human performance, advanced air vehicles, hypersonics, propulsion, weapons, energetics
- Space Domain: Space access, satellites, on-orbit operations, space situational awareness, resilient architecture
- Cyber/Electronic Warfare: Cyber operations, electronic warfare, quantum tech, sensors, directed energy, photonics
- Cross-Cutting: AI/ML, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, digital engineering, microelectronics
The support scope includes basic and applied research, data analytics, technology development, modeling and simulation, manufacturing, experimentation, and technology transition, with 56 sub-domains in total.
WHY AFRL MAC MATTERS
AFRL MAC consolidates multiple stand-alone research contracts into a single vehicle designed to reduce acquisition cycle time and expand access for the industrial base supporting Air Force Science and Technology.
For contractors, consolidation means qualifying once for access to AFRL research work across all four technical domains, rather than pursuing separate contracts for each area.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER AFRL MAC
AFRL MAC is designed for firms with experience in defense R&D, technology development, and engineering services across air, space, cyber, or cross-cutting technology domains.
Firms providing modeling and simulation, advanced materials research, sensor development, data analytics, AI/ML applications, or human systems integration should evaluate whether their capabilities align with the 56 technical sub-areas listed in the RFP.
Companies already supporting DoD research programs—or those looking to expand into Air Force S&T work—will find this vehicle provides structured, long-term access to AFRL research opportunities.
HOW OST CAN HELP
OST supports small and mid-sized businesses pursuing complex federal R&D contracts with:
- Win strategy and positioning: Develop an approach for multi-domain technical scopes
- Domain alignment: Identify which of the 4 domains and 56 sub-areas match your capabilities and past performance
- Proposal development: Technical solutions, past performance narrative, compliance, and production
- Teaming strategy: Identify strengths, fill gaps, and build competitive teams
- Small Business Pool strategy: Navigate the partial set-aside structure and maximize competitive position
If you’re evaluating whether AFRL MAC aligns with your capabilities or need support developing a competitive proposal, we’re happy to help.
