MAVERICK (LASER)

The MAVERICK (LASER) program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) operated by the Department of Defense under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway. Based on the contract awards, the program appears to focus on research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities related to aircraft systems, electronics, communications equipment, and weapons integration, with particular emphasis on laser technology applications.

The program's contract awards from 2000-2012 typically ranged from $100,000 to $63 million, with most awards in the $1-5 million range. Major contractors included General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Boeing Company, General Dynamics, and TRW Inc., with significant work performed in California, Virginia, and Ohio. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) were primary funding organizations. Contracts frequently utilized Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Firm Fixed Price arrangements, with some awards designated for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Notable places of performance included San Diego, CA; Wright Patterson AFB, OH; and Edwards AFB, CA. The work encompassed aircraft manufacturing, radar systems integration, propulsion research, electronics development, and weapons systems testing, with contract periods typically ranging from 1-5 years.