# Air Force Awards $83.4M-Ceiling Helmet IDIQ

The U.S. Air Force awarded LIFT Airborne Technologies contract FA8606-27-D-B002, an SBIR Phase III follow-on IDIQ with an $83.4 million ceiling, to develop, qualify, produce, and field next-generation fixed-wing helmets. Approximately $4.1 million in FY2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funding was obligated at award; the ceiling is not guaranteed revenue, and additional funding may be provided through task orders. Performance is expected to continue through October 30, 2036.

- The initial obligation is substantially below the ceiling, so contractors should distinguish the IDIQ’s maximum potential value from funded work when assessing the opportunity.
- The long performance period and task-order funding structure create potential follow-on work in helmet development, qualification, and production; suppliers and prospective subcontractors can assess where their capabilities align with those activities.
- The award to LIFT Airborne Technologies provides a procurement pathway for this specific SBIR Phase III effort; the source does not specify task-order timing or additional guaranteed funding.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** November 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)

### Vendors
- LIFT Airborne Technologies (awardee)

### Sources
- [LIFT Airborne Technologies Awarded $83.4 Million Air Force Contract For Next-Generation Fixed-Wing Helmets](https://pulse2.com/lift-airborne-technologies-awarded-83-4-million-air-force-contract-for-next-generation-fixed-wing-helmets) - Pulse 2.0