The Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) (AGM-86B) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) following the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway. This program encompasses the development, maintenance, and sustainment of air-launched cruise missiles, which are sophisticated weapons systems requiring complex engineering support and ongoing technical maintenance. The program represents a significant long-term investment in strategic defense capabilities, with contracts spanning multiple years and covering various aspects of missile system support.
The contract awards associated with this program primarily focus on engineering studies, technical maintenance, and component manufacturing/remanufacturing. Key deliverables include linear actuators, warhead arming devices, wing ordnance cartridges, and inertial navigation elements, with individual contract values ranging from several thousand dollars to over $7 million. Contract durations typically span 6 months to 3 years. Many contracts are issued as Firm Fixed Price delivery orders, with some Cost Plus Award Fee arrangements for engineering studies. The U.S. Air Force, particularly through FA8103 (OC-ALC/LID), appears as the primary contracting authority. While many contracts have no set-aside designation, some are designated for Total Small Business or Woman-Owned Small Business. Litton Systems Inc. in Woodland Hills, California appears as a recurring contractor for navigation-related components. Notable contract activities include engineering studies for Flight Data Transmitter (FDT) sustainment, Electro-Mechanical Actuator enhancement, and Guided Missile Flight Controller (GMFC) improvements.