KC-46A Tanker Modernization

The KC-46A Tanker Modernization program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The program focuses on modernizing the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling capabilities through the acquisition and deployment of the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, which is based on Boeing's 767 airframe. This Category IC acquisition program includes both domestic procurement and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to international partners such as Israel and Japan, with individual FMS contracts reaching values of up to $1.48 billion.

The program's contract awards encompass a wide range of products and services, including aircraft production, initial spare parts, support equipment, technical data services, and software development. Contract values range from under $1 million for specific components to over $857 million for complete aircraft systems, with performance periods typically spanning 1-5 years. The Boeing Company serves as the primary aircraft manufacturer and systems integrator, with major subcontractors including Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Pratt & Whitney. Support contracts are frequently awarded to small businesses such as Kennon Products (thermal curtains), Digitized Schematic Solutions (technical data), and various parts suppliers through the KC-46 Initial Spares (KIS) and KC-46 Support Equipment (KSE) multiple-award programs. While most contracts are unrestricted, some smaller awards utilize small business set-asides. Primary places of performance include Seattle, Washington; Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; and various contractor facilities across the United States.