How to bid on Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F) for the Dept of the Air Force

What the Air Force is buying

The Department of the Air Force is seeking proposals for the Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F) program. This involves the development, manufacturing, and sustainment of a common armament tester for F-16, F-15, and A-10 fighter jets. The testers must be capable of handling Preload, Clean Wing, and Fault Isolation Requirements at both organizational (O-Level) and intermediate (I-Level) maintenance levels.

This is a significant opportunity for companies specializing in instrument manufacturing for measuring and testing electricity and electrical signals. The acquisition will use a full and open competition process, with an initial selection of up to two contractors for system design, followed by a downselect to at least one contractor for development and production. The contracts will include options for program execution beyond the basic contract.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on February 17, 2026. The current proposal due date is indefinite due to a protest. However, the system reflects a date of December 31, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET. A firm proposal due date will be announced in a future RFP amendment once the protest is resolved. The government anticipates releasing RFP Amendment 0002 no later than two weeks from February 17, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in instrument manufacturing for measuring and testing electricity and electrical signals. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 334515, with a small business size standard of 750 employees. The Product or Service Code (PSC) is 4920. Companies with a strong background in defense equipment development, particularly for avionics testing and maintenance, will find this a relevant opportunity.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Offerors must prepare their proposals according to the mandatory and detailed instructions in the RFP. If you need access to the bidder’s library, submit a completed DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, to the listed points of contact. All questions and comments should be submitted to the PCO, Oya Harrison, and the Contract Specialist, Alexis Davis.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the two-phase selection process, focus on clearly demonstrating your capabilities for system design in the initial proposal. Highlight your experience with similar complex defense projects and your ability to meet technical requirements for testing F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms at both O-Level and I-Level.

Pay close attention to the specific pricing arrangements mentioned: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost Reimbursement-No Fee (CR-NF). Ensure your proposal clearly outlines your approach to each, demonstrating cost-effectiveness and value. Since this is a full and open competition, a strong technical proposal combined with a competitive cost structure will be crucial. Stay updated on any amendments to the RFP, especially regarding the proposal due date.