The C-17 Cargo Transport program represents a major Department of Defense aircraft acquisition initiative focused on military transport capabilities. Based on the contract data, this program encompasses research, development, testing, evaluation (RDTE), manufacturing development, and equipment procurement activities related to the C-17 cargo aircraft platform. The program appears to have been active since at least the early 1990s, with significant contract activities continuing through the late 2000s.
The federal contract awards associated with this program primarily consisted of delivery orders and definitive contracts for aircraft engineering, manufacturing development, and equipment. Contract values ranged from approximately $1 million to over $100 million per award, with performance periods typically spanning 2-5 years. The Boeing Company (including its McDonnell Douglas Corporation subsidiary) served as the primary contractor, with work predominantly performed at their Long Beach, California facility. The contracts were administered through the Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) and utilized various pricing mechanisms including Firm Fixed Price, Cost Plus Award Fee, and Cost No Fee structures. No set-aside designations were used in the contracting actions, indicating full and open competition or other than small business awards. Notable contract types included both developmental work (RDTE/Aircraft-Engineering/Manufacturing Development) and procurement of aircraft equipment and airframes.