Request for Whitepapers: AEDC Velocity Alliance - A Multi-Billion Dollar OTA Consortium Opportunity

This Air Force Materiel Command memorandum outlines the terms and conditions for the AEDC Velocity Alliance Consortium Members, focusing on an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. It defines key terms like Acceptance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and various intellectual property rights (Unlimited, Government Purpose, Limited, Restricted). The document details processes for demonstration and acceptance of prototypes, payment based on milestones, agreement modifications, and collaborative dispute resolution. It also addresses excusable delays, intellectual property indemnification, risk of loss, taxes, and termination for convenience or default. Critical requirements include maintaining CMMC Level 2 certification, adherence to specific federal laws regarding prohibited sources (e.g., Huawei, ZTE, Kaspersky Lab, ByteDance), and compliance with cybersecurity protocols like NIST SP 800-171. The agreement emphasizes incremental funding and the phased execution of projects, with options requiring mutual agreement. The document outlines responsibilities for duty-free entry of foreign supplies and the importance of maintaining 'Good Standing' for project eligibility, including JCP and CMMC certifications. Operational security and public release restrictions are also covered.

The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) seeks industry partners for its Velocity Alliance Program to upgrade and sustain flight simulation test facilities. The program focuses on improving, modernizing, restoring, and maintaining critical test assets and utilities to enhance operational readiness and ensure long-term mission capability. Project categories cover a wide range of construction and engineering services, including general and industrial construction, various pressure process systems (low, high, and hazardous), process ducting, and electrical systems (high, medium, and low voltage). Additionally, the program includes fire suppression, equipment repair, and specialized mechanical, electrical, and Instrumentation, Data, and Control (ID&C) engineering services, as well as utility distribution system upgrades. Each category encompasses the complete project lifecycle, from analysis and design to procurement, fabrication, installation, and rigorous verification and validation to meet demanding aerospace and defense requirements.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance is a multi-billion dollar Air Force Materiel Command initiative to modernize infrastructure through Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). This document clarifies various aspects for industry partners, including mandatory CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026 for all funded projects (PLAs), even for projects not explicitly handling CUI. It also emphasizes the requirement for all prime members, regardless of their own size, to demonstrate partnership capability with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution. All whitepaper submissions are strictly limited to 10 pages, including compliance roadmaps. The government anticipates most projects will be Best Value and Firm-Fixed-Price, with all Project Opportunity Announcements (POAs) issued to all members without filtering. Site visits will be conducted in groups, and an active JCP certification is mandatory for whitepaper submission.

The document, titled

Amendment 2 of the AEDC Velocity Alliance Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) finalizes critical logistical details for the mandatory site visit, now officially named the Velocity Alliance Industry Day. This amendment establishes June 17, 2026, from 0800-1600 CST at the UTSI Auditorium (411 B H Goethert Pkwy, Tullahoma, TN 37388) as the firm date and location. Key changes include updating Section 3.0, Section 6.0, and Section 7.0 of the RFWP to reflect these finalized details, replacing vague timing with concrete scheduling information. Additionally, a new attachment, Atch 5 - UTSI Map.pdf, has been added to provide attendees with necessary parking and entrance instructions. These updates are crucial for vendors to ensure participation and compliance with the RFWP requirements.

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) and Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), is establishing the AEDC Velocity Alliance. This consortium-based initiative aims to streamline industrial partnerships to accelerate the sustainment, restoration, and modernization of critical test infrastructure for next-generation national defense systems. Vendors are invited to submit whitepapers to demonstrate capabilities and be considered for membership. The selection process involves a multi-step evaluation, including mandatory certification requirements (JCP and CMMC Level 2), technical competency assessment, intellectual property rights acknowledgment, and innovation/partnership capability with non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses. Successful vendors will be invited to a mandatory site visit and, upon execution of a Membership Agreement, will be eligible to compete for projects at various Air Force Test Center sites. Membership is contingent upon maintaining cybersecurity compliance, with a strict deadline for CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026 for those using the alternative compliance path. The government anticipates investing multi-billion dollars in test infrastructure at AEDC through Fiscal Year 2032. The Request for Whitepapers outlines submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and an onboarding schedule with multiple opportunities.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance, an initiative by the Department of the Air Force, is a multi-billion dollar program through FY32 for infrastructure modernization. This document, a Q&A for industry partners, clarifies membership, project execution, and compliance requirements. Key points include: the government will manage the consortium internally, and asphalt paving projects are eligible under the

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance is seeking whitepapers for membership in a multi-billion dollar infrastructure modernization initiative through FY32. This document clarifies various aspects of the Request for Whitepapers (RFWP) through a series of Q&A. Key points include the government internally managing the consortium, the possibility of including asphalt paving projects, and the mandatory requirement for all alliance members to partner with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution to satisfy statutory conditions. Even small businesses must identify a partner. All accepted consortium members will receive every Project Opportunity Announcement (POA), regardless of their demonstrated competencies during onboarding. The government anticipates using best value evaluations and firm-fixed-price milestone-based agreements for most projects, though specific competitive procedures and agreement types will be defined in each POA. The entire whitepaper submission is limited to 10 pages, including all parts, and can contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) but not classified information. Submissions are via standard email, not DoD SAFE. A hard prerequisite for the alternative CMMC Level 2 compliance path is a detailed roadmap reflecting certification by November 2026; roadmaps exceeding this deadline will not be considered responsive. Approximately 135 projects with an estimated value of $550 million are forecasted through FY27. Project examples include process systems, electrical infrastructure, specialized construction, and engineering services. There is no capped number of seat holders; the alliance aims to onboard as many qualified vendors as possible to meet the scale and diversity of the anticipated work. Mandatory site visits will be conducted in group settings, not individually. Designs from the Alliance may transition to other contract vehicles like FARM III or lead to follow-on production agreements within the Alliance. All Project-Level Agreements (PLAs) are expected to involve CUI, making CMMC Level 2 certification a foundational, enterprise-level security standard for all members by November 2026. Responses to technical evaluation questions must be based on completed projects within the last five years. POAs will be universally accessible to all members in good standing, either via a dedicated website or direct email distribution.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance outlines Q&As for its Request for Whitepaper, clarifying membership, project scope, and compliance. The government will manage the consortium internally, allowing standalone paving projects under the “General Construction” category. Alliance membership requires partnership with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution to satisfy legal conditions. Even small businesses must identify a partner to demonstrate partnership capability. All members will see every project opportunity, with project competition varying from whitepapers to oral presentations. The entire whitepaper submission is limited to 10 pages and can include Controlled Unclassified Information via standard email, not DoD SAFE. Full CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026, with a viable roadmap, is a hard prerequisite for all Project-Level Agreements, which are expected to involve CUI. The Alliance forecasts 135 projects totaling $550 million through FY27, part of a multi-billion-dollar modernization effort through FY32, encompassing diverse infrastructure and engineering projects. The government anticipates onboarding numerous qualified vendors, conducting group site visits, and primarily using best-value, firm-fixed-price evaluations. Designs under the Alliance may transition to other contract vehicles like FARM III.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance, managed by the Air Force Materiel Command, addresses questions regarding its Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership. Key clarifications include that the government will internally manage the consortium, asphalt paving projects can be included under the 'General Construction' category, and all Alliance members, including small businesses, must identify a partner (Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution) to meet partnership requirements. The submission deadline is June 1, Central Daylight Time (CDT), with a strict 10-page limit for the entire whitepaper, including CUI but no classified information. A current NIST SP 800-171 assessment and a roadmap for CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026 are mandatory. The Alliance forecasts 135 projects worth $550 million by FY27 and a multi-billion-dollar portfolio through FY32, focusing on infrastructure modernization across 15 technical categories. The government will not cap membership, intending to onboard as many qualified vendors as possible to support the scale and diversity of anticipated work. Project awards will primarily be Best Value, Firm-Fixed-Price, and site visits will be conducted in group settings.

The Department of the Air Force, through AFMC/AFTC/PZIA, issued a Q&A document for the AEDC Velocity Alliance Request for Whitepaper. Key clarifications include that the government will internally manage the OTA consortium, and asphalt paving projects can be competed under the existing “General Construction” category. Alliance membership requires identifying a partner that is a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution to satisfy statutory conditions (10 U.S.C. § 4022(d)(1)(A) or (B)). Universities are excellent candidates for fulfilling this requirement. Even small businesses must identify a partner to demonstrate partnership capability. All consortium members will receive every Project Opportunity Announcement (POA), regardless of their demonstrated competencies during onboarding. POAs may utilize various down-selection methods, including whitepapers or full prototype proposals. The whitepaper submission has a strict ten-page limit for the entire document, including all four parts. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is permitted, but classified information is prohibited, and submissions must be emailed, not sent via DoD SAFE. A firm prerequisite for the alternative compliance path is a detailed roadmap to achieve full CMMC Level 2 C3PAO Certification by November 2026; submissions indicating a later completion date will not be considered responsive.

This Air Force Materiel Command memorandum outlines the terms and conditions for the AEDC Velocity Alliance Consortium's Other Transaction Agreement, executed under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. It defines key terms like 'Acceptance,' 'Milestone,' and various intellectual property rights (Unlimited, Government Purpose, Limited/Restricted). The document details processes for demonstration and acceptance of deliverables, dispute resolution, agreement modifications, and payment based on milestones. It also includes critical articles on cybersecurity requirements (NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2 by November 2026), cyber incident reporting (within 72 hours), intellectual property indemnification, and prohibitions on specific telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and software from certain foreign entities and companies like ByteDance. Membership in the Alliance requires maintaining 'Good Standing,' which includes valid JCP certification and compliant cybersecurity posture, with provisions for suspension or termination for default if these conditions are not met. The agreement emphasizes a phased execution with optional milestones and outlines responsibilities regarding duty-free entry, risk of loss, and compliance with applicable laws.

The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Velocity Alliance Program aims to sustain and advance flight simulation test facilities by improving, modernizing, restoring, and maintaining critical test assets and supporting utilities. Projects will be performed at various Air Force Test Center sites, including Arnold Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Tunnel 9, and the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, with the potential for other Air Force Test Center installations to leverage the Alliance. Key goals include enhancing operational readiness, integrating innovative engineering solutions, increasing system reliability and efficiency, and ensuring long-term mission capability. The program encompasses a wide range of project types, including general and industrial construction, various pressure process systems (low, high, and hazardous), process ducting, high, medium, and low voltage electrical systems, fire suppression, equipment repair, and mechanical, electrical, and ID&C engineering services, as well as utilities. Each project type covers the complete lifecycle from analysis and design to procurement, fabrication, installation, demolition, verification, and validation.

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) and Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), is establishing the AEDC Velocity Alliance, a strategic consortium. This initiative, authorized by 10 U.S.C. § 4022, aims to create an agile industrial partnership for accelerating the sustainment, restoration, and modernization of critical test infrastructure to support next-generation national defense systems. The Air Force anticipates investing multi-billion dollars in test infrastructure at AEDC through Fiscal Year 2032. The process for vendors to join the Alliance involves a multi-step evaluation: whitepaper submission, government evaluation of mandatory certifications (JCP, CMMC Level 2 or alternative path) and technical competency, a mandatory site visit, and execution of a membership agreement. Whitepapers must detail technical capabilities in specific project types, acknowledge intellectual property rights, and demonstrate innovation and partnership with non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses. Submissions are due on June 1, 2026 (Opportunity 1) or September 1, 2026 (Opportunity 2), with questions due by May 1, 2026. This Request for Whitepapers is an unfunded solicitation, and all associated costs are the vendor's responsibility.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance issued a Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership, addressing key questions from industry partners. The government will internally manage the consortium, and asphalt paving projects can be competed under the 'General Construction' category. Membership requires identifying a partner (Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution), even if the prime contractor is a small business, to demonstrate partnership capability. University partners are strong candidates, while national laboratories are potential candidates depending on their managing entity. All Project Opportunity Announcements will be issued to all consortium members, regardless of their demonstrated competencies during onboarding. Selection for projects may involve various methods, including whitepapers or full proposals. The entire whitepaper submission is limited to ten pages, including all parts, with no separate cover page. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is permitted but classified information is not. Submissions must be sent via standard email, not DoD SAFE. A firm prerequisite for the alternative compliance path is a roadmap detailing achievement of full CMMC Level 2 certification by the November 2026 deadline.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance has released a Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership, addressing key questions from industry partners. The government will manage the consortium internally, and asphalt paving projects can be competed under the existing “General Construction” category. Alliance membership requires partners to be a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, a Small Business, or a Nonprofit Research Institution, with university partners being ideal. Even small businesses must identify a partner to demonstrate partnership capability. All consortium members will receive every Project Opportunity Announcement (POA) without filtering. The government may use various methods, including whitepapers or full prototype proposals, for down-selecting performers for specific projects. The entire whitepaper submission has a strict ten-page limit, including all parts, and no separate cover page is required. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) can be included, but classified information is strictly prohibited. Submissions must be sent via standard email, not DoD SAFE, relying on the submitter's CMMC or NIST SP 800-171 compliance for CUI protection.

This Department of the Air Force memorandum addresses key questions regarding the AEDC Velocity Alliance Request for Whitepaper (RFWP). It clarifies that the government will manage the consortium internally, and asphalt paving projects can be competed under the existing "General Construction" category within the Alliance. Crucially, the memo details the statutory requirement for Alliance membership, which mandates identifying a partner that is a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, a Small Business, or a Nonprofit Research Institution to satisfy 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d)(1)(A) or (B). The document emphasizes that university partners are excellent candidates due to their likely qualification as nonprofit research institutions, providing specific guidance for whitepaper submissions to demonstrate this capability. National Laboratories are also noted as potential candidates. Proposers are advised to feature a university partner, provide their CAGE code and justification, and link their capabilities to the technical project described in their whitepaper.

The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Test Center (AFTC) and Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) are establishing the AEDC Velocity Alliance, a strategic consortium under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. This initiative seeks industry partners to accelerate the sustainment, restoration, and modernization of critical test infrastructure to support next-generation national defense systems. The Air Force plans to invest multi-billions in AEDC infrastructure by Fiscal Year 2032. The Request for Whitepapers outlines a multi-step onboarding process, including mandatory certifications (JCP and CMMC Level 2 or equivalent), technical competency demonstrations, intellectual property rights acknowledgment, and a requirement to demonstrate innovation and partnership capability with non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses. Successful vendors will be invited to a mandatory site visit and, upon execution of a membership agreement, will be eligible to compete for projects at sites like Arnold AFB, Holloman AFB, and Tunnel 9. The process is designed to create an agile contracting vehicle to address the evolving technical challenges of defense modernization. The whitepaper submission deadlines are June 1, 2026, and September 1, 2026, with the Alliance anticipated to be active by July 1, 2026.

The U.S. Department of War's (DoW) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, effective November 10, 2025, outlines requirements for federal contractors to protect unclassified information. This FAQ document provides guidance on CMMC implementation, assessment, and compliance. CMMC assessments will be phased in over three years, with initial focus on self-assessments for CMMC Levels 1 and 2. The program integrates National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 and 800-172, with requirements flowing down to subcontractors. Key aspects include assessment frequency (annual for Level 1, every three years for Levels 2 and 3), the role of external service providers (CSPs must meet FedRAMP Moderate baseline), and handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The DoW provides resources for businesses to prepare and achieve compliance, emphasizing self-assessment and corrective actions for identified gaps. Encrypted CUI is still considered CUI and requires appropriate safeguards.

The Department of War (DoW) has initiated a phased implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program to bolster the cybersecurity of the defense industrial base (DIB). This program, outlined in a recent federal register document, assesses defense contractors' compliance with safeguarding requirements for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC features a tiered model with three levels: Level 1 (basic safeguarding of FCI via annual self-assessment), Level 2 (broad protection of CUI through self or C3PAO assessment every three years), and Level 3 (higher-level protection of CUI against advanced persistent threats with DIBCAC assessment every three years). Annual affirmations are required for all levels, and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) are permitted for Levels 2 and 3 with strict closeout requirements. The implementation began November 10, 2025, and will unfold over four phases, incrementally adding CMMC Level requirements, with full implementation by November 10, 2028.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance issued a Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for its Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Consortium, addressing key questions from industry partners. The government will manage the consortium internally, and standalone paving projects can be competed under the existing "General Construction" category. A crucial requirement for Alliance membership is identifying a partner that meets specific statutory definitions, such as a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NDC), a Small Business, or a Nonprofit Research Institution. University partners are highly likely to qualify as nonprofit research institutions. Even if a prime contractor is a small business, they must still identify a partner to demonstrate their capability to form innovative partnerships, either with an NDC, a Nonprofit Research Institution, or another Small Business. Partners must have their capabilities linked to the technical project described in the whitepaper, explaining their significant participation.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance issued a Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership, clarifying several key requirements and procedures. The government will internally manage the consortium, and standalone paving projects can be competed under the existing "General Construction" category. A crucial requirement for Alliance membership is identifying a partner—either a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, a small business, or a nonprofit research institution (such as a university). Even small businesses acting as prime contractors must identify a partner to demonstrate their capability to form innovative partnerships, linking the partner's capabilities to the proposed technical project. All Project Opportunity Announcements (POAs) will be issued to all consortium members without filtering based on onboarding competencies. The government will use various methods for down-selecting performers for specific projects, including whitepapers, full prototype proposals, or oral presentations, with the specific competitive procedure defined in each POA.

The AEDC Velocity Alliance is a multi-billion dollar Air Force initiative through FY32 for infrastructure modernization. This Q&A document clarifies key aspects for industry partners. Membership requires demonstrating partnership with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution. The entire whitepaper submission is limited to 10 pages and must include a detailed CMMC Level 2 certification roadmap by November 2026, even for small businesses. All members will receive every Project Opportunity Announcement (POA), which will primarily use Best Value evaluations and Firm-Fixed-Price agreements. Site visits will be conducted in groups, and there's no minimum bid requirement to maintain membership. Bonding requirements will be project-specific, and only the prime member needs CMMC compliance for the initial whitepaper submission. Including ongoing projects in Part 2 is not recommended as only completed projects within five years are evaluated.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance issued a Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership, addressing numerous questions from industry partners. Key clarifications include that the government will internally manage the consortium, and asphalt paving can be a standalone project under the "General Construction" category. Alliance membership requires identifying a partner (Non-Traditional Defense Contractor, Small Business, or Nonprofit Research Institution), with university partners being excellent candidates. Even small businesses must identify a partner to demonstrate partnership capability. All Project Opportunity Announcements (POAs) will be issued to all consortium members without filtering. Project evaluation methods will vary, potentially including whitepapers, full proposals, or oral presentations, with a strong preference for Best Value and Firm-Fixed-Price structures. The total whitepaper submission is limited to 10 pages, including cover pages and CMMC compliance roadmaps. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is permissible, but classified information is prohibited, and submissions must be via email, not DoD SAFE. Full CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026 is a hard prerequisite for all funded projects, as all projects are expected to involve CUI. Projects for evaluation must have been completed within the last five years. There is no minimum bid requirement to sustain membership, and while standard bonding is not required for alliance entry, it may be specified in individual POAs. The government forecasts approximately 135 projects worth $550 million through FY27, with a multi-billion dollar portfolio through FY32, encompassing 15 technical categories. Site visits will be group sessions. Prime members only need to prove their CMMC compliance for whitepaper submission, but are responsible for ensuring subcontractors meet flow-down requirements for Project-Level Agreements. Small businesses are encouraged to join independently and form dynamic teams for specific projects.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance is a multi-billion dollar initiative through FY32, modernizing test infrastructure. This document clarifies the Request for Whitepaper (RFWP) for consortium membership. Key points include: the government will manage the consortium internally; asphalt paving projects can be competed under the 'General Construction' category; membership requires partnerships with Non-Traditional Defense Contractors, Small Businesses, or Nonprofit Research Institutions (universities and national labs are highly relevant); even small businesses must identify a partner; all Project Opportunity Announcements (POAs) will be issued to all members regardless of demonstrated competencies; selection for projects may involve whitepapers, full proposals, or oral presentations; the entire whitepaper submission is limited to 10 pages; Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is allowed but not classified information, and submissions must be via standard email, not DoD SAFE; CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026 is a hard prerequisite for active Project-Level Agreements (PLAs), which are expected to involve CUI; technical competency examples must be from completed projects within the last five years; POAs will be accessible to all members, likely via a dedicated website or direct email; small businesses are encouraged to join independently as prime members and partner with other entities; no minimum number of bids is required to sustain membership; and bonding requirements will be specified in individual POAs, not as a general condition of membership. The government anticipates most projects will be Best Value and Firm-Fixed-Price.

The Department of the Air Force's AEDC Velocity Alliance is seeking whitepapers for membership to execute a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure modernization portfolio through FY32. This document provides Q&A for prospective members, clarifying requirements for partnership with non-traditional defense contractors, small businesses, or nonprofit research institutions. It details the 10-page whitepaper limit, inclusion of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and the mandatory CMMC Level 2 certification by November 2026. All accepted members will receive every Project Opportunity Announcement (POA), with awards primarily based on Best Value and Firm-Fixed-Price structures. Group site visits are planned for invited vendors. Small businesses are encouraged to join as prime members, demonstrating partnership capability with other entities, rather than attaching to a larger traditional entity beforehand.