GQM-163A Aerial Target Operation
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 Department of the Navy / NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER has posted a Justification and Approval (J&A) for the sole-source award of an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC). This contract, valued at an estimated $99M, is for engineering services supporting aerial target operations and maintenance of the GQM-163A.
Scope of Work
The contract covers Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities for the GQM-163A aerial target system. The GQM-163A is a Supersonic Sea Skimming Target (SSST) with High Diver (HD) capability. Services include:
- Delivery of flight trajectories and technical data packages.
- Operation, maintenance, and loading of GQM-163A targets.
- Support for the GQM-163A vehicle, MK70 Mod 1 booster, MK7 Mod 1 launcher or 4K3 launcher, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ)
- Estimated Value: $99,000,000
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Justification Posted: June 8, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
NGC is identified as the only qualified source possessing the necessary knowledge of the GQM-163A operational systems and developmental changes required for O&M. The Government lacks the expertise and data rights for a competitive procurement, and awarding to any other source would result in unacceptable delays.
Efforts to Solicit Offers
Multiple attempts were made to solicit offers:
- A Sources Sought announcement was posted to SAM.gov on October 24, 2024, with no responses.
- The proposed contract was synopsized on SAM.gov on November 12, 2024, with no other potential sources expressing interest.
- Another Sources Sought was issued on April 22, 2025, also with no responses.
- Market research confirmed no other capable sources for supersonic targets meeting USN Fleet customer requirements.
Future Outlook
NAWCWD currently has no plans to compete future contracts for these specific services. However, they will assess competition feasibility if another potential source emerges and are engaging in planning efforts for new targets and capabilities to potentially increase future competition.