Next Generation Thermal, Power, and Controls (NGT-PAC)

The Air Force Research Laboratory established this Master IDIQ on August 3, 2017, to conduct research on next-generation thermal, power, and controls technologies for advanced fighter aircraft requiring up to 10x higher power levels than current tactical systems. Ordering against the vehicle closed on July 21, 2022, nearly four years ago; this vehicle is no longer open for new task orders.

The vehicle carries a shared ceiling of $409 million. To date, 17 task orders have been awarded with a combined potential value of $131.3 million, of which $97.1 million (74% of combined potential value) has been obligated. Ordering momentum slowed significantly after 2019—the vehicle averaged four to six orders per year in its first three years, then dropped to two orders in 2023 and one in 2024, with the most recent award on January 22, 2024.

Work awarded under this vehicle focuses on engine-related thermal and power systems research, including energy storage (Genesis), energy management and generation optimization, engine demonstrations with integrated thermal management (Cold Air from Engines, Blondie), and identification of technology and architecture gaps for advanced combat platform propulsion. All 17 orders are unrestricted, cost-reimbursable contracts, most with cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing.

The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin Corporation dominate the vehicle, holding four awards each and capturing $48.5 million and $25.7 million in combined potential value respectively. These two primes account for roughly 57% of all task-order potential value. Honeywell International Inc. and General Electric Company follow with two orders each ($25.3 million and $18.6 million combined potential value), while Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, RTX Corporation, and one additional prime account for the remaining potential value. Task-order values range from approximately $100 thousand for initial scoping work up to $25.2 million for the Cold Air from Engines research effort. Typical development efforts ceiling at $10 million to $24 million with performance spanning 12 to 30 months. Roughly 99% of obligations support Air Force programs, with the remainder supporting Air Force Materiel Command Research Laboratory internal work.

Next generation fighter aircraft are likely to require an unprecedented level of advanced capabilities in order to ensure air superiority in contested environments. These capabilities, which include advanced electronic attack, high-power laser, and future low-observability features, are expected to require as much as 10x higher power levels than current tactical systems. These power system demands requirements present multifaceted electrical and thermal challenges in an integrated flight worthy system. Modern vehicle design factors including composite aircraft skins, higher efficiency engines, and highly embedded vehicle systems compound these challenges. This Master IDIQ is for research in order to better understand the challenges and opportunities of, and advance the state of the art in, next generation aircraft thermal, power, and controls.