How to Win the 2023 CFT Program: A Guide for Contractors

Introduction

The Contract Field Teams (CFT) program is a major opportunity for contractors who can provide on-site maintenance support for various active weapon systems in the US Government inventory. The CFT program is a multi-billion dollar contract vehicle that allows the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) to procure maintenance services from qualified contractors worldwide. The CFT program covers organization, intermediate, and depot level maintenance support for modification, maintenance, inspections, and repair of these weapon systems at operational government locations worldwide. The CFT program also includes the modification, maintenance, inspection, and repair of associated support equipment for any Federal Agency or authorized Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer locations both in the Continental United States (CONUS), and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). All weapon systems supported under this contract must be non-commercial and have Government-owned technical data.

The current CFT program is expected to expire in December 2023, and the AFSC is preparing to release a new solicitation for the next iteration of the CFT program. The new solicitation, CONTRACT FIELD TEAMS PROGRAM (CFT), is anticipated to be released in October 2023, with proposals due in December 2023. The new CFT program will have a potential value of $8 billion and a period of performance of eight years. In this article, we will provide an overview of the historical background of the CFT program, the requirements and evaluation criteria of the new solicitation, the benefits and challenges of participating in the CFT program, and how GDI Consulting can help you prepare a winning proposal.

Historical Background

The CFT program has been in existence since 1951, when it was established by the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC). The program was designed to provide temporary and long-term labor support for a variety of technical service needs; maintenance and repair, depot services, inspections, modernization for contingency support for aircraft, vehicles, weapon systems and other equipment. Since then, the CFT program has evolved and expanded to cover other weapon systems and government agencies. The CFT program is currently managed by the AFSC Enterprise/Specialized Contracting Branch (PZIE).

The previous version of the CFT program was awarded in December 2016 as a multiple-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a potential value of $11.4 billion and a period of performance of seven years. The previous CFT contract had eight awardees: AAR Government Services Inc., AECOM Management Services Inc., DynCorp International LLC, IAP Worldwide Services Inc., Kay and Associates Inc., M1 Support Services LP, Strategic Technology Institute Inc., and VSE Corporation.

RFP Description

The new solicitation for the CFT program will be issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) under solicitation number FA810823R0003. The RFP will contain detailed information on the scope of work, performance work statement (PWS), quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP), contract data requirements list (CDRLs), section L instructions to offerors, section M evaluation factors for award, and the CFT ordering guide. The RFP will also include a draft DD254 security classification specification and pricing information.

The RFP will solicit proposals from contractors who can provide organization, intermediate, and depot level maintenance support for modification, maintenance, inspections, and repair of active weapon systems at operational government locations worldwide. The RFP will also solicit proposals from contractors who can provide modification, maintenance, inspection, and repair of associated support equipment for any Federal Agency or authorized FMS customer locations worldwide. All weapon systems supported under this contract must be non-commercial and have Government-owned technical data.

The RFP will specify that the contract type will be firm fixed price (FFP), indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ). The RFP will state that the period of performance will be five years base plus one five-year option. The RFP will indicate that the estimated value of the contract will be $8 billion. The RFP will announce that the competition type will be full and open / unrestricted. The RFP will identify that the number of expected awards will be 20.

The RFP will require offerors to submit both a technical proposal and a cost/price proposal. The technical proposal will consist of three volumes: Volume I – Management Approach; Volume II – Technical Approach; Volume III – Past Performance. The cost/price proposal will consist of one volume: Volume IV – Cost/Price Proposal.

The RFP will state that the evaluation factors for award will be based on best value trade-off analysis. The evaluation factors will be listed in descending order of importance as follows: Technical Approach; Management Approach; Past Performance; Cost/Price.

Who Should Participate

The CFT program is open to all contractors that meet the enrollment requirements. To enroll in the CFT program, contractors must meet certain requirements, including having a minimum of 10 employees and being able to provide technical support in at least one of the following areas: engineering, logistics, maintenance, or information technology. Contractors must also have a valid CAGE code, DUNS number, and SAM registration.

The CFT program is ideal for contractors who have experience and expertise in providing on-site maintenance support for various active weapon systems, such as aircraft, missiles, ground support equipment and vehicles. Contractors who have experience and expertise in providing modification, maintenance, inspection, and repair of associated support equipment for any Federal Agency or authorized FMS customer locations worldwide are also encouraged to participate. Contractors who have experience and expertise in working with non-commercial weapon systems and Government-owned technical data are also preferred.

The CFT program is a great opportunity for contractors who want to expand their market share and revenue in the defense and aerospace sector. The CFT program offers contractors access to a large and diverse customer base, including the US Air Force and other DoD and Government agencies, both in CONUS and OCONUS. The CFT program also offers contractors the flexibility and responsiveness to meet the changing and urgent maintenance needs of the customers. The CFT program also allows contractors to leverage their existing capabilities and resources to provide high quality and cost-effective maintenance services.

Challenges

The CFT program is not without challenges. Contractors who want to participate in the CFT program must be prepared to face some potential difficulties, such as:

• The CFT program is highly competitive. The RFP will attract many qualified and experienced contractors who will submit strong and compelling proposals. Contractors will have to differentiate themselves from their competitors by demonstrating their unique value proposition and competitive advantage.
• The CFT program is complex and demanding. The RFP will require contractors to comply with stringent technical, management, and security requirements. Contractors will have to show their ability to provide comprehensive and customized maintenance solutions for various active weapon systems at different locations worldwide. Contractors will also have to show their ability to deploy qualified personnel and equipment within 72 hours of task order award.
• The CFT program is dynamic and uncertain. The RFP will state that the contract will be subject to availability of funds. Contractors will have to deal with the possibility of funding fluctuations and delays. Contractors will also have to cope with the changing and unpredictable maintenance needs of the customers. Contractors will have to adapt to the evolving requirements and expectations of the customers.

Conclusion

The CFT program is a major opportunity for contractors who can provide on-site maintenance support for various active weapon systems in the US Government inventory. The CFT program is a multi-billion dollar contract vehicle that allows the AFSC to procure maintenance services from qualified contractors worldwide. The new solicitation for the CFT program is anticipated to be released in October 2023, with proposals due in December 2023.

If you are interested in participating in the CFT program, contact GDI Consulting today at www.gdicwins.com. GDI Consulting will help you capture this opportunity and increase your win rate. GDI Consulting is your trusted partner for government contracting success.