US Air Force signed a $46-billion contract for digital transport design

In early September 2021, the US Air Force entered into a major contract for digital design and analytical support with 55 companies. According to a press release from the US Department of Defense, a contract worth $46 billion with an indefinite delivery time and quantity at the time of award initially provided for only $55 thousand for research and development in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. US Air Force officials have previously stated a high interest in developing the ability to digitally design and test equipment, such as aircraft, before they are put into production.

Procurement is for digital and model-based systems design. Contractors will also provide support for flexible processes, open systems architecture, and weapons and enterprise analytics.

US Air Force signed a contract for $46 billion for digital transport design

By creating virtual environments that mimic the physical conditions in which a weapon system or aircraft will be located during operation, the US Air Force can optimize designs before they are physically created and tested in the real world. According to officials, promising technology can save a lot of time and money.

The service is working to develop digital design practices within and with contractors. The former head of the procurement, technology and logistics department, Will Roper, suggested that companies use their own Air Force technological stack, which caused a mixed reaction.

Among the companies selected for potential future orders are both large defense contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin, as well as very small startups such as Shield AI.

Work will be carried out at the location of suppliers until September 6, 2032. The winners of the competition are other well-known companies: Boeing, General Atomics, Episys Science, Morsecorp, Kihomac, Linquest, Stima Technologies, Zitech.^[1]

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