The Air Force is performing market research for possible offerors in the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) program, which is responsible for procuring a nuclear-capable cruise missile that will replace the service’s Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), according to a notice posted at Federal Business Opportunities.

The Air Force intends to hold an industry day Oct. 31 to review the draft acquisition strategy for feedback prior to the acquisition strategy panel. The service intends to release the request for proposal (RFP) for the technology development phase in May.

Air Force’s Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). Photo: Air Force.

Representatives from Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Boeing [BA] said Friday their companies would pursue the LRSO program. Northrop Grumman [NOC], another possible candidate for LRSO, declined to comment Friday. Boeing is the prime contractor for ALCM.

The Air Force requested $5 million for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) funding in fiscal year 2014 for LRSO.