AN/AQS-20 Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
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 Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) intends to award a sole-source 'C' type contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGC) in Annapolis, MD, for Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) services for the AN/AQS-20 program. This notice serves as a Sources Sought, inviting other responsible sources to submit capability statements for market research purposes, despite the sole-source intent. The estimated total contract value is $5,275,000.00, with a period of performance from July FY2026 to FY2030. Responses are due by June 21, 2026.
Scope of Work
This effort supports the AN/AQS-20 systems, which are critical for the U.S. Navy's wide-area reconnaissance capabilities in detecting and classifying surface and near-surface moored mines. NGC's work includes services, testing, technical assistance, integration, engineering service, and software support for the ATR. Specifically, NGC's Generalized ATR (GATR) team develops AN/AQS-20 Multi-Forward Side Look Sonar (MFSLS) GATR interfaces, conducts continuous development and training of the MineHunter (MH) algorithm optimized for AN/AQS-20 Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) imagery, and handles system integration, systems engineering, software development, tool development, and algorithm fusion capability. NGC also supports the complete AN/AQS-20 post-mission analysis (PMA) effort.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: 'C' type contract with options (sole-source intent)
- Intended Awardee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- Value: $5,275,000.00
- Duration: July FY2026 - FY2030
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source)
- Response Due: June 21, 2026, 15:00 Eastern Time
- Published: May 22, 2026
- Solicitation Number: N00024-26-R-2224
Justification for Sole Source
NAVSEA justifies the sole-source award to NGC under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii), citing NGC as the only responsible source. This is due to NGC's unique resources, knowledge, technical qualifications, capability, and experience required for the highly complex ATR services and integration efforts without causing unacceptable delays. NGC previously developed and sustained these efforts under contract N00024-17-C-6311, and using another vendor would necessitate reverse engineering proprietary or highly specialized legacy architectures.
Submission Instructions
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation for consideration. This information will help the Government determine potential subcontracting or future competitive opportunities. Submissions must be received by June 21, 2026, 15:00 ET, via email to steven.w.noel.civ@us.navy.mil, referencing solicitation number N00024-26-R-2224.
Additional Notes
Respondents should be aware that third-party support contractors from Booz Allen Hamilton, who have executed Non-Disclosure Agreements, may assist in reviewing submissions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise on the cover page, submission implies consent for these contractors to access the provided information.