STS Systems Defense Awarded $21.6 Million F-35 Paint Booth Contract With Air Force
Anna Davis09/19/2025
Contract Award Defense
HigherGov
The Air Force Sustainment Center announced it has awarded a contract for the construction of F-35 paint booths to STS Systems Defense worth $21.6 million over approximately three years. The firm-fixed-price contract is a sole source 8(a) direct award, with work to be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
Work to be Completed Under F-35 Paint Booths Contract
The contract calls for the building of two new paint booths and associated equipment specifically designed for use with the F-35 aircraft. These facilities are critical for the maintenance and sustainment of the F-35 fleet, enabling specialized painting and coating processes that protect the aircraft and ensure its operational effectiveness.
According to the government award notice, work under this contract will take place at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, with completion expected by April 26, 2027. The project will be funded by procurement funds ($20.7 million) and defense working capital funds ($0.9 million), both of which are being obligated at the time of award.
The new paint booths will support ongoing depot-level maintenance activities at Hill AFB, which is one of the primary sites for F-35 sustainment in the United States. The addition of these facilities is expected to increase throughput and efficiency for F-35 maintenance operations.
This contract was awarded as a sole source 8(a) direct award, a contracting method designed to promote opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses. STS Systems Defense qualified under this program, allowing for streamlined acquisition without a competitive bidding process.
The Air Force Sustainment Center at Hill Air Force Base is responsible for managing this contract (FA8228-25-C-0005) and overseeing the completion of all deliverables related to the F-35 paint booth construction.
Details on STS Systems Defense and Related Contracts
STS Systems Defense, based in San Antonio, Texas, has previously worked with the Air Force Sustainment Center on several contracts involving depot industrial plant equipment (DIPE) systems and related engineering services. Notable recent contracts include:
- Purchase/Move KC-46 Equipment – $5.5 million
- Engineering Services for Turnkey DIPE Systems – $3.3 million
- Purchase of CNC Vertical Turning Center – $2.9 million
- DIPE Systems Solutions – PAA Line Removal Upgrade – $1.0 million
STS Systems Defense specializes in providing engineering services and equipment solutions to federal agencies, with a focus on supporting complex maintenance and sustainment needs within the defense sector. The company’s ongoing relationship with the Air Force Sustainment Center highlights its role as a key supplier in support of Air Force depot operations.
This award was disclosed by the DoD in its daily press release. Additional contract details will be available on HigherGov once disclosed by the government in approximately 90 days under FA822825C0005 after the contract is formally disclosed by the government.
