Air Force aims for B-52 CERP down-select in September

摘要

The Air Force is progressing toward a down-select decision for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, with plans to award a contract in September following a technical risk assessment and cost estimate review this summer. The program's current strategy is to take advantage of Middle Tier Acquisition authorities to conduct two phases of prototyping. In the first phase, which is ongoing, the service is working with Pratt & Whitney, General Atomics and Rolls Royce to develop virtual prototypes of their engine offerings. During the second phase, the program would develop a physical prototype. Under that strategy, the program would either shift to a traditional acquisition pathway or to a rapid-fielding MTA following completion of the prototype, likely in the fiscal year 2025 timeframe. However, acting service acquisition executive Darlene Costello told lawmakers this week this summer's reviews could lead the service to transition earlier than expected to the traditional pathway.