The Boeing Company announced that it is one of several companies selected by the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command to compete as prime contractors for future aircraft sustainment work.

Under the projected 10-year, $6.9 billion Future Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool (F2AST) program, Boeing will compete for work in support of all Air Force-operated weapon systems, including Special Operations Forces systems.

"Boeing understands the unique requirements of today's warfighters and has the right team in place to provide best-value life-cycle support for our customers," said Tony Robertson, vice president of the Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division of Boeing Support Systems.

The Boeing F2AST team in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., will rely on its extensive experience supporting Air Force-operated weapon systems and a diverse network of large and small suppliers to offer cost-effective and innovative sustainment solutions. Under the terms of the contract, small businesses must receive at least 13 percent of the contracts' value.

F2AST combines the existing Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool (FAST) program and Integrated Weapons System Support Program (IWSSP) into one indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract that will include development, modifications, depot maintenance, spares and repairs on dozens of Air Force platforms, support systems, subsystems and components. Boeing is the only company selected as a prime contractor that has experience on both FAST and IWSSP contracts.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.