The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Material Command is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a Large Caliber Penetrator. This RFI seeks industry capabilities for developing and producing a materiel solution, specifically focusing on maturing a tailkit (TK) design, development, and flight testing for system accuracy. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is conducting market research for an industry analysis. Interested parties can request a controlled document with system attribute details by submitting a valid DD Form 2345. The RFI requests white papers on notional TK, integration, and test capabilities, including Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), integration onto government-supplied warheads, and flight testing without government aircraft. Submissions are due by December 12, 2025, and questions by November 25, 2025. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals.

The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Material Command is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for a Large Caliber Penetrator. The RFI seeks to identify industry capabilities for developing and producing a materiel solution, specifically focusing on maturing the tailkit (TK) design, development, and flight testing to demonstrate system accuracy. Key requirements include a Navigation System capable of accuracy in GPS-denied environments, the ability to develop TK system Critical Design Review (CDR) Technical Data Packages (TDP) Level 3, produce 3-5 full-scale TK system prototypes for flight tests, and develop associated software. Vendors must also demonstrate the ability to integrate the TK system onto a Government-supplied warhead and conduct flight tests without Government aircraft. Submissions are requested in white papers covering GNC, integration, and test capabilities, with an optional all-inclusive submission. Small businesses are encouraged to respond. Responses are due by December 12, 2025, and questions by November 21, 2025.

The government is in the planning phase for a new tail kit requirement, seeking capabilities for an existing Level 2 TDP design. While a final decision on an incumbent replacement is pending, all offered solutions will be considered. The government is open to small business-led efforts with large OEM sub-contractors, preferring an all-inclusive response. The contract type and funding profile are currently unknown, and funding has not yet been secured. The anticipated contract award is FY27 Q1, with a requirement for three to five tail kits, including those for testing. The specific aircraft for this munition will be identified later. Flight testing is included in the 9-12 month period of performance, and vendors are responsible for store-to-aircraft integration for non-government aircraft.