Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight
ID: FA8625-20-R-2028Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEAIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/e6a1c02a06274307b9cf13e347da3fe2/view
Timeline
    Description

    Special Notice DEPT OF DEFENSE DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE: Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking prototype projects from both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors. The purpose of these projects is to assess the transformative vertical flight market and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technologies. The goal is to establish a collaborative strategy with industry and investors to accelerate the fielding of the most promising technologies for both government and potential commercial use.

    The focus of this effort is on emerging electric VTOL (eVTOL) and urban/advanced air mobility (UAM/AAM) aircraft, although alternative technologies will also be considered. These aircraft may incorporate non-traditional electric or hybrid propulsion and can be used for manned or optionally manned missions, with various control options such as onboard pilot, remote pilot, or autonomous control.

    The core technologies of interest include distributed propulsion for vertical flight, potential use of a wing for horizontal flight, augmented flight control systems, and high levels of automation or autonomy. The government aims to test the hypothesis that these aircraft could revolutionize mobility by offering lower maintenance costs, improved safety, affordability, improved acoustics, and greater flexibility compared to other ground and air vehicles.

    The government is particularly interested in scenarios outside of urban environments that could potentially open a broad public-use market for early government adoption. These aircraft, referred to as ORBs, have the potential to support a variety of missions such as organic resupply for disaster relief, operational readiness, and diverse military and civilian operations.

    The government may award one or more Other Transactions for Prototype (OTP) agreements based on evaluations and funds availability. The OTP agreements will be negotiated for prototype project delivery, and if successful, may lead to follow-on production agreements. The government is also open to innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible under a traditional contract.

    This opening is a competitive solicitation that will be continuously open until February 28, 2025. The government reserves the right to award OTPs based on information learned during this offering. Interested parties should regularly check https://beta.sam.gov for new Areas of Interest (AOIs) postings.

    For full announcement details, please refer to the attachments section.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Angela C. Pereira Duque
    (937) 255-3367
    flyorbs@afwerx.af.mil
    Angela C. Pereira Duque
    (937) 255-3367
    angela.pereira_duque.2@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Agility_Prime_ICO_Final_FA8625-20-R-2028_Amendment 1.pdf
    AOI-4_Amendment_Final.pdf
    AOI-4.xlsx
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    Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight
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