Minuteman III

The Minuteman III (MINUTEMAN III) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Department of Defense under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway. The program encompasses the sustainment, modernization, and support of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, including its guidance systems, re-entry vehicles, launch facilities, and associated test equipment. This strategic weapons system requires extensive logistical support, engineering services, and specialized testing to maintain operational readiness.

Contract awards under this program range from small purchases of specialized components and test equipment ($3,230-$216,573) to major systems support contracts exceeding $75 million. Notable prime contractors include Honeywell International Inc. Aerospace-Clearwater for Pendulous Integrated Gyroscopic Accelerometer repairs ($103 million), Boeing Company for floor support sets ($609,263), and Textron Systems Corporation for MK21 Multi Probe Antennas ($66 million). The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command is the primary contracting authority, with work performed at various locations including Hill Air Force Base, FE Warren Air Force Base, and Little Mountain Test Facility. Contract durations typically span 1-5 years, with some extending to 8 years. While many contracts have no set-aside designation, the program does utilize Total Small Business set-asides for certain components and support services. Contract types include firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-award-fee arrangements, reflecting the mix of commercial and developmental requirements.