F-35 JPO PRESOLICITATION NOTICE TO SOLE SOURCE: MCK
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 F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) has issued a Presolicitation Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Mission Planning Environment (MPE) Country Kit (MCK). This system will centralize and replace individual F-35 Partners' mission planning systems. The JPO intends to award a sole source contract to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LM Aero), citing their unique qualifications as the F-35's sole designer, developer, and integrator. Potential offerors must submit capability statements by June 18, 2026, to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirement.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the MCK. This includes:
- System design and software development
- Architecture and hardware engineering
- Cybersecurity and networking interoperability
- Technical program management
- Training development and integration The MCK will comprise containerized software, hardware (servers, workstations), and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) National Security Agency (NSA) approved High Assurance In-line Network Encryptors (INEs).
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Proposed NAICS: 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees)
- Department/Agency: Dept Of Defense / DEPT OF THE NAVY / NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND
- Place of Performance: Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Published Date: June 3, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
- Capability Statement Due: June 18, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
- Eligibility: Potential offerors must possess a Secret security clearance to be eligible for award.
- Rationale for Sole Source: LM Aero is identified as the only known qualified source due to their proprietary software, technical expertise, and role as the F-35 aircraft's sole designer, developer, and integrator.
Points of Contact
- Contract Specialist: Jonathan Chen (Jonathan.Chen@jsf.mil)
- Contracting Officer: Colin McCarthy (colin.mccarthy@jsf.mil)