US Air Force formed an industry consortium to upgrade facilities testing hypersonic systems, sensors, and other defense technologies.
The US Air Force has established an industry consortium to accelerate upgrades to facilities used for testing hypersonic systems, advanced sensors, and other emerging defense technologies.
Created by the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) and the Air Force Test Center, the AEDC Velocity Alliance will provide a pool of pre-qualified organizations that can compete for infrastructure projects as requirements emerge.
Prospective members must meet technical, cybersecurity, and other eligibility standards before joining.
The consortium can include established and non-traditional defense contractors, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.
Potential work includes construction, process systems, fire suppression, equipment repair, and other specialized engineering services across AEDC facilities.
“The AEDC Velocity Alliance represents a shared commitment between government and industry to ensure America’s test infrastructure evolves alongside the technologies it is responsible for evaluating, keeping AEDC ready for today’s mission while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” stated the US Air Force.
Alternative Contracting Framework
The alliance will use flexible contracting authorities that allow the air force to award certain projects more quickly than under the traditional procurement process.
AEDC said the consortium could support a multibillion-dollar portfolio covering the repair, maintenance, and modernization of aerospace ground-test facilities.
These facilities simulate the conditions encountered by aircraft, propulsion systems, sensors, and other technologies during operation.
Planned upgrades will allow them to test faster and more complex systems.
The work will support the development of hypersonic platforms and advanced sensors.
It will also contribute to the US military’s Long-Range Kill Chain, which connects systems for detecting, tracking, and striking distant targets.
