R&D Engineer

Air Force releases draft RFP for TETRAS III R&D support IDIQ. * The Air Force has released a draft RFP for TETRAS III, the planned recompete of its test and evaluation contract vehicle * The IDIQ will cover instrumentation, infrastructure and technical expertise for testing fifth- and sixth-generation weapons and cyber systems * An earlier RFI suggested the recompete could be worth up to $20 billion over a decade The Department of the Air Force has issued a draft request for proposals for Test and Evaluation Technologies for Ranges, Armaments and Spectrum III, opening industry review of the planned multiple-award recompete of its TETRAS contract vehicle. Posted Thursday on SAM.gov as a special notice serving as the official presolicitation, the draft RFP gives prospective offerors an early look at the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity acquisition before a formal solicitation, anticipated on Oct. 27. The Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is running the procurement. The competition will be conducted on a full and open basis, with security requirements ranging from confidential to top secret. As the Air Force modernizes how it tests next-generation weapons and cyber systems, service leaders are also charting the broader path for emerging technology across the air and space domains. They will share those strategies at the Potomac Officers Club's 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30, where Gen. John Lamontagne, vice chief of staff of the Department of the Air Force, joins top Space Force officials and industry executives for a full day of keynotes, panels and networking. Register now to secure your spot. What will TETRAS III cover? According to the draft statement of work, TETRAS III will supply airborne and range instrumentation, infrastructure, facilities, and technical expertise supporting the 96th Range Group and other Department of War organizations as they develop and modify test and evaluation systems for fifth- and sixth-generation weapons and cyber systems. The scope spans testing of weapon systems; command, control, communications, computers, cyber defense, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance - or C6ISR - platforms; and electronic combat systems. Contractors will design, fabricate, integrate and install specialized hardware, software and prototypes for air, ground, sea and space applications, with required expertise covering hypersonics, directed energy, autonomy, artificial intelligence, electromagnetic spectrum testing, countermeasures, cybersecurity assessments and aircraft survivability equipment. The statement of work emphasizes open-architecture designs that are modular, scalable and reusable, with compliance with the Test and Training Enabling Architecture where practical. The vehicle excludes advisory and assistance services. Work is expected to be performed worldwide. How can industry weigh in on the potential TETRAS III contract? Companies have until June 26 to submit questions, comments and feedback. The government plans to post its responses by July 13. How big could the TETRAS recompete be? TETRAS III follows the $1 billion TETRAS II vehicle, which the Air Force awarded to 46 companies in June 2023 after receiving 49 bids. Awardees on that previous contract, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos subsidiary Dynetics, Jacobs, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Saab, Serco, Torch Technologies, and Radiance Technologies, compete for delivery orders to build and upgrade test systems and facilities, with work running through Dec. 31, 2028. The service signaled the scale of its ambitions for TETRAS III in an April 2025 request for information, which described a recompete structured with a five-year base period and five-year option period valued at up to $20 billion if all options are exercised.

Radiance Technologies elevates air Force veteran Darien Hammett to COO. Radiance Technologies has elevated Darien Hammett to chief operating officer, placing him in charge of daily operations and execution across the company. What will Darien Hammett do as COO? In his new role, Hammett will lead execution efforts while ensuring organizational efficiency, the company said Wednesday. He will help drive the company's strategic road map and streamline internal operations to enhance efficiency and drive growth. His role involves translating technical capabilities into mission enablers to meet the demands of customers across the defense and intelligence community. CEO Bill Bailey noted that Hammett has demonstrated an ability to instill a common vision and inspire teams to execute the company's strategic goals. "As we continue to grow our capabilities, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we meet the real-world demands of our customers," Bailey said. Who is Darien Hammett? Hammett is an aerospace and defense professional with about 30 years of experience, including more than 24 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He brings extensive knowledge of defense systems management with a track record of leading large teams in delivering complex programs. He applies both technical and business knowledge to turn capabilities into operational assets that support warfighter needs. He has spent over six years at Radiance, most recently serving as executive vice president for the defense sector, and previously held roles such as VP of the space group and assistant VP of customer solutions advocate. His military career included work in engineering support, acquisition leadership, and classified air and space programs. Radiance advances growth with strategic deals. As the company continues to strengthen its leadership team, it has expanded its capabilities through contract wins and acquisitions. Radiance recently secured a $149.7 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to support the modernization of the Reagan Test Range in the Marshall Islands. The company also completed the acquisitions of Verus Research and Phased n Research in 2025.