Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) Sustainment IDIQ
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) has awarded a sole-source, Cost Reimbursable Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to General Atomics (GA), San Diego, CA. This five-year ordering period contract is for the sustainment of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) aboard Ford-class nuclear powered aircraft carriers and the Foreign Military Sales French Future Carrier.
Scope of Work
The IDIQ covers comprehensive sustainment activities, including:
- Engineering and Technical Support: Development of pre-engineering change proposals (ECPs), technical data development (ECPs, drawings, software documentation), product improvements, design recommendations, and technical data investigations.
- Logistics Support: Logistics product database updates, supportability analysis, repair analysis, training, support equipment, and provisioning.
- In-Service Support: On-site and remote subject matter expertise, technical support for Ford-class systems, and support for shipboard activities related to aircraft recoveries and launches.
- Software Management: Engineering and system software investigations, development of software artifacts and changes, software maintenance, review, and testing.
- Quality & Material: Establishment and maintenance of a Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System, quality assurance management, and material for repair and overhauls. Work will primarily be performed in San Diego, California (98.6%).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Sole-Source, Cost Reimbursable IDIQ
- Awardee: General Atomics, San Diego, CA
- Period of Performance: Five-year ordering period
- Set-Aside: None (Sole-Source Justification)
- Award Date: February 17, 2026 (Published Date)
Justification & Eligibility
This award was made on a sole-source basis under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(1), citing that GA is the only responsible source. The justification highlights GA's proprietary data, unique engineering, established tooling, and requisite knowledge. Efforts to solicit offers via a sources-sought notice resulted in only two responses, with NDI Engineering Company deemed incapable of meeting requirements. The government does not possess a complete Technical Data Package (TDP) for competitive procurement, and GA declined to provide the cost of TDPs. NAVAIR currently has no plans to compete future contracts for these services but will assess feasibility if other sources emerge.