The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will award a sole source cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to New Mexico State University Physical Sciences Laboratory (NMSU/PSL). This contract is for the acquisition of facilities, materials and support for flight testing for the Vulture programme flight demonstrator (FD) air vehicle.
This will be a two-phase effort. The first phase is a study and engineering analysis of airworthiness and safety issues and development of a comprehensive flight test plan. The second phase includes build-up and modification of existing facilities and acquisition of support equipment as well as all engineering and operational support necessary to prepare for and conduct FD air vehicle flight testing.
The period of performance of Phase I is anticipated to be date of award through August 14, 2011. Period of performance of Phase II is anticipated to begin August 15, 2011, and continue through the completion of flight testing, currently expected to be completed during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.
DARPA has determined that NMSU/PSL is the only entity capable of meeting the unique facilities, airspace, and technical expertise required for flight test of the Vulture FD air vehicle while also meeting range airspace, available frequency spectrum, and takeoff and landing requirements.
Source: FedBizOpps.Gov