The Air Force on Wednesday awarded National Aerospace Solutions LLC of Reston, Va., a cost-plus-award-fee contract worth an estimated $1.5 billion for test operations and sustainment of Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), according to a Defense Department statement.
The contractor will provide test operations, technology development, equipment and facility sustainment, capital improvements and support. Work is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2023. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with four offers received.
Work will be performed at Arnold AFB, Tenn., Moffett Field, Calif., and White Oak, Md. AEDC, located at Arnold, is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world. The complex operates 28 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units, according to the Air Force.
Under the contract terms, National Aerospace Solutions, which is led by Bechtel and also includes Sierra Lobo, and GP Strategies Corporation, will manage test operations and sustainment duties at Arnold and other Air Force facilities in Maryland and California, according to a Bechtel statement. Chugach Federal Solutions and nLogic are teaming subcontractors. The contract transition period is scheduled to begin on July 1.