AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER (AFLCMC) INNOVATIONS TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OR EFFICIENCY OF THE MOBILITY FLEET - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

TITLE: Innovations to increase the availability or efficiency of the mobility fleet (C-5, C-17, C-130, KC-46, KC-135).

KEYWORDS: Aircraft availability; maintenance; process optimization; aircraft maintenance; efficiency

POC: AFLCMC/WLQ

OBJECTIVE: The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/Mobility Aircraft Directorate (AFLCMC/WL) seeks vendor capability information in support of market research conducted by PEO Mobility. Incorporating operational utility of innovative technologies to increase Aircraft Availability (AA) and reduce the time an aircraft is on the ground for maintenance. This RFI is to better understand AA and aircraft ground maintenance technologies capable as well as understand the cost-benefit.

DESCRIPTION: PEO Mobility is seeking industry input to identify innovative technologies and proven capabilities that can enhance Aircraft Availability (AA), a critical enabler of Air Force readiness. For the Mobility Air Forces (MAF), even modest improvements in AA can serve as a powerful force multiplier. The Mobility Directorate is particularly interested in mature or commercially available solutions that can be tested with operational aircraft in FY2026 and have a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

Areas of specific interest include:

• Reducing the time and/or manpower required to conduct maintenance and inspections
• Streamlining depot flow processes to improve overall maintenance efficiency
• Decreasing the number of steps in inspection, maintenance, or repair tasks

This RFI is focused on identifying existing technologies or high TRL (ready-to-field tools) that can deliver measurable improvements to aircraft availability in the near term. Additionally, this RFI will inform and support the upcoming Fall Industry Preview (FIP) event.

Other desirable information/features/technologies of interest include but are not limited to:

• Software applications or digital tools that model, manage, and streamline depot maintenance process flows to enhance throughput and reduce bottlenecks.
• Tools or platforms that capture and share tribal knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices among maintainers to institutionalize expertise and improve training and task execution.
• AI-enabled solutions to analyze inspection data, both structured and unstructured to support rapid, informed decision-making and reduce reliance on manual review.
• NDI/NDE technologies that minimize inspection time and eliminate the need for coating or sealant removal, while maintaining inspection fidelity and safety standards.
• Rapid-application corrosion prevention technologies that are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection in operational environments.
• Innovative tools or methods that reduce the number of steps required for common maintenance tasks, such as sealant removal/placement or bolt removal/replacement.
• Solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for bulky support equipment (e.g. lifts), improving workspace efficiency and safety.
• Processes or technologies that verify the functionality and compatibility of CoTS electronic components within avionics systems.
• Tools and technologies that reduce engineering workload associated with the reverse engineering, design, and testing of parts intended for additive manufacturing.
• Please specifically identify any commercial solutions, previous SBIR awards, product cost data, and aircraft platform limitations.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify innovative technologies to increase Aircraft Availability (AA) and reduce the time an aircraft is on the ground for maintenance. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property.