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) intends to negotiate and award a sole-source contract to Leonardo, United Kingdom, for the procurement of Active Expendable Decoys (AED) and related support. This presolicitation notice indicates a non-competitive procurement under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) / FAR 6.302-1, citing Leonardo as the only responsible source. Responses to this notice are due by March 25, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contract will cover the procurement of an estimated 3,000 - 6,000 AEDs per year, along with:
- Spare impulse cartridges
- Related support equipment and repairs
- Field service representative (FSR) support
These items are intended for the F-35, F-18, and other USG platforms.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Fixed price and cost type line items (Presolicitation)
- Duration: Base year with up to four option years (FY2027 through FY2031)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source - Other Than Full and Open Competition)
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, by 3:30 PM ET
- Published: March 11, 2026
- Place of Performance: Luton, United Kingdom
Justification
NAVAIR states that Leonardo is the only contractor possessing the necessary manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity, and platform qualifications to meet the requirements. This determination follows a Sources Sought Notice posted on SAM.gov on February 25, 2026.
Important Notes
This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). No contract will be awarded based on responses to this notice. Information received will be considered solely for determining future competitive opportunities. All inquiries and concerns must be directed to the Contract Specialist, Elizabeth V. Lamb, at elizabeth.v.lamb2.civ@us.navy.mil.