Bechtel Wins $1.5 Billion Air Force Test Operations Complex Contract

Bechtel-led National Aerospace Solutions (NAS) has won $1.5 billion contract from the US Air Force to run key operations for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee.

The contract is for one year with seven one-year options, the company announced Wednesday.

Under the contract terms, National Aerospace Solutions, whose members include Bechtel National, Inc., Sierra Lobo Inc., and GP Strategies Corporation, will manage Test Operations and Sustainment duties at Arnold and other Air Force facilities in Maryland and California. Chugach Federal Solutions Inc. and nLogic are teaming subcontractors.

The contract transition period is scheduled to begin on July 1.  

Test Operations and Sustainment includes operations of 43 wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, ballistic ranges, space chambers, and other specialized testing units, as well as technology development, equipment and facility sustainment, capital improvements to the sites and other services for the AEDC.

The AED Complex has played a role in testing nearly all of the US' top priority aerospace programs, from fighter jets and missiles to Apollo rockets and weather satellites.

"The Air Force is working hard to ensure the long-term viability of the Complex, while maintaining reliable and cost-effective mission success," said Craig Albert, president of Bechtel's Nuclear, Security & Environmental global business unit.

"AEDC is a national asset for both the government and commercial sectors, and its potential to meet the needs of future ground test programs is even greater. We're ready to partner with the Air Force and the team at AEDC to help realize that potential." Albert added.