Technical Reasons for NETA Prime.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE OHIO

24 March 2026

FROM: AFRL/PZLEB

2130 Eighth Street, Building 45 Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7251

SUBJECT: Requirement for Prime Contractor to be an International Electrical Testing

Association (NETA) Accredited Company

REFERENCE: (a) Forthcoming Solicitation: Electrical Maintenance Contract (FA2396-26-

R-BXXX)

(b) Government-wide Portal of Entry Request for Information

2026_EMC_001_032426

1. Air Force Research Laboratory has a need to obtain high-quality, affordable, and responsive NETA-certified services supporting the electrical maintenance and repair of equipment. This memorandum outlines the rationale for requiring the prime contractor on the forthcoming solicitation to be a NETA Accredited Company (NAC). This requirement is essential to ensure technical expertise, manage risk, protect people and infrastructure and guarantee efficient contract administration.

2. Technical Oversight and Responsibility: The prime contractor is ultimately responsible for all aspects of contract performance, including safety, quality control, and technical execution. Given that the substantial majority of the work under this contract will involve complex electrical testing and maintenance, it is imperative that the prime contractor possesses the internal expertise to effectively manage and oversee these critical tasks.

NETA accreditation ensures the Prime has a deep understanding of the required procedures and standards, rather than simply delegating this core responsibility.

3. Comprehensive Contract Risk Management: The nature of electrical testing and maintenance involves significant risks, including those associated with high-voltage equipment and personnel safety. Requiring a prime who is a NAC serves as a critical risk mitigation measure because NETA ensures all work is performed under a rigorously enforced framework of industry-recognized standards, using properly calibrated equipment, established safety procedures, and consistent documentation. This requirement also guarantees that all technicians are trained, qualified, and evaluated to a uniform standard, eliminating variability in execution. This level of rigor is non-negotiable and protects the interests of the government and all personnel involved.

4. Ensuring Core Competency and Avoiding "Pass-Through" Contracts: The government requires that the prime contractor holds the core technical capabilities central to the contract's purpose. Without the prime being a NAC, there is a risk that a prime contractor could be awarded the contract and subsequently subcontract nearly all of the technical work. This "pass-through" scenario is undesirable, as it distances the primary responsible party from the actual work being performed. The prime must be the subject matter expert.

5. Streamlined and Effective Contract Administration: NACs adhere to a comprehensive set of standardized procedures, technician certification programs, and reporting formats. By selecting a prime who is a NAC, the government can anticipate a more efficient and predictable administration process. This inherent standardization reduces ambiguity, simplifies oversight, and ensures that all deliverables meet a consistent, industry-accepted benchmark for quality and clarity.

6. We trust this clarifies the importance of this requirement. All offerors are encouraged to ensure they meet this standard to be considered for award.

Derek R. Longshore Matthew J. Main Program Manager Contracting Officer

AFRL/RQOO AFRL/PZLEB