Active Expendable Decoy (AED) Procurement and Support
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River, MD, has issued a Sources Sought notice for Active Expendable Decoy (AED) Procurement and Support. This market research aims to identify capable businesses for the procurement of AEDs, related support, and test equipment for F-35, F-18, and other U.S. Government (USG) platforms. The requirement anticipates procuring approximately 3,000 AEDs annually for the first two years, increasing to 6,000 for subsequent years, along with initial spare impulse cartridges, support equipment, repairs, and field service representatives for FY27 through FY31. Responses are due by March 11, 2026.
Opportunity Details
This requirement covers the procurement of self-contained Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM), battery-operated free-fall decoys. The anticipated contract type is a mix of Fixed Price for production items (AEDs, cartridges, support equipment) and Cost Reimbursable for support equipment repairs and field service representatives. The planned contract duration includes a base year with up to four option years, covering requirements from FY27 through FY31. The anticipated award date is November 2026, with AED end item deliveries expected to commence 4-10 months after contract award or option exercise. Initial production is estimated at 300 devices per month.
Required capabilities include manufacturing technology, infrastructure, and capacity to produce AEDs meeting specific criteria: a 2" x 1" x 8" form factor, mission load programmable by the Government, demonstrated RFCM performance at TRL-9, and manufacturing readiness at MRL-9. The solution must be qualified for F-35 and ready for immediate production, and qualified/ready for F-18 and other USG platforms following a production decision. Interested businesses must demonstrate current possession or viable plans to obtain necessary technical data. A "Secret" Facility Clearance is required for the prime contractor.
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses must submit a capabilities statement package, not exceeding twelve (12) 8.5 x 11 inch pages (12-point font, 1.5 line spacing). The submission must address:
- Capability Assessment: Ability to deliver required capabilities and meet timelines, with supporting evidence.
- Data Rights: Identification of any restrictions associated with the proposed solution.
- Cost and Risk Assessment: Potential cost/schedule risks, impacts, mitigation, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs (per unit, quantity breaks).
- Business Systems Status: Identification of all DCMA-approved business systems and latest approval dates.
Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format and sent via email to Elizabeth Lamb at elizabeth.v.lamb2.civ@us.navy.mil. No classified information should be submitted.
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for informational purposes only and not a Request for Proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government to award a contract. Responses are voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information received. All businesses are encouraged to respond, identifying their business size. Questions should be directed to Elizabeth Lamb via email; no phone calls will be accepted.