The Air Force Research Laboratory has begun soliciting proposals for a potential eight-year, $10 billion multiple award contract, or MAC, vehicle to streamline the procurement of science and technology research services.
As AFRL advances a new contracting vehicle to support science and technology research, industry interest in air and space priorities continues to grow. Staying informed on developments like these is increasingly important for stakeholders across the defense ecosystem. Register now to attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30.
According to a solicitation published Thursday, AFRL will accept offers for the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract through Feb. 27.
What Is the Scope of the AFRL Multiple Award IDIQ Contract?
The AFRL MAC, or AMAC, vehicle aims to meet several S&T research requirements, including basic and applied research; data science and analytics; digital architecture; technology development; modeling and simulation; experimentation and testbed development; and technology transition to military capabilities.
AMAC has four technical areas of interest: air domain, space domain, cyberspace and electronic warfare domain, and cross-cutting domain.
The agency identified specific technologies it seeks to advance across these domains, including air propulsion systems, hypersonics, on-orbit operations and autonomy, quantum technologies, photonics, high-energy laser systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics, and additive manufacturing.
The IDIQ contract has a five-year base term and three one-year option periods.
What Does AFRL Do?
Founded in 1997, AFRL is responsible for the discovery, development and integration of technological capabilities to support warfighters across air, space and cyber domains. The organization operates under Air Force Materiel Command and supports the science and technology needs of the Air Force and the Space Force.
In recent months, the lab has taken several steps to engage industry and expand its research efforts. In December, AFRL solicited industry questions and comments on the AMAC vehicle.
In early January, AFRL announced plans to compete a potential $1 billion contract to conduct research and development work on adversary system-of-systems analysis in support of the Air Force, U.S. Cyber Command and other mission partners.
