How to bid on the AEDC Velocity Alliance consortium for engineering and construction with the Department of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Air Force is seeking qualified vendors to join the AEDC Velocity Alliance. This is a consortium focused on modernizing national test infrastructure to support next-generation defense systems. Members of this alliance will compete for projects within a potential multi-billion dollar portfolio of complex engineering and construction work, primarily at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

Joining this alliance means your firm could be pre-qualified to bid on significant defense-related engineering and construction projects over several years.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

For Onboarding Opportunity 2, whitepapers are due by close of business on September 1, 2026. A mandatory virtual site visit is scheduled for September 16, 2026. This Request for Whitepaper notice will remain active until September 30, 2032.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for engineering firms and construction companies with experience in complex projects, particularly those related to defense infrastructure. The primary NAICS code for consortium onboarding is 541330 (Engineering Services), and the primary PSC code is AC13 (National Defense R&D Services; Department of Defense - Military; Experimental Development). However, any NAICS or PSC code that aligns with the program objectives is acceptable.

How to respond

To respond, you need to submit a whitepaper. First, access the opportunity on the portal by clicking “View original source”. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all the documents. Carefully review all attached documents to ensure your whitepaper submission meets all mandatory onboarding criteria.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your whitepaper, clearly demonstrate your firm's capabilities and experience in engineering and construction, especially in areas relevant to defense test infrastructure modernization. Highlight any past performance with similar complex projects or work for the Department of Defense.

Pay close attention to all mandatory onboarding criteria outlined in the solicitation documents. Ensure your whitepaper directly addresses these requirements and provides concrete examples of how your firm meets them. Participating in the mandatory virtual site visit is crucial for understanding the scope and expectations.