GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Targets (SSST) Full Rate Production (FRP) Lot 18
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 Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, N00019-26-C-0122, to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC) for the Full Rate Production (FRP) Lot 18 of twenty-eight (28) GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea-skimming Targets (SSST). This award supports the United States Navy (USN), Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).
Contract Details
- Awardee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Launch Vehicle Division (LVD), Chandler, AZ
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Award Date: Contract N00019-26-C-0122 was awarded (published March 31, 2026)
- Published Date: March 31, 2026
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole Source)
- Product/Service Code: 1410 - Guided Missiles
Scope of Award
This contract covers the production of 28 GQM-163A Coyote SSSTs. The broader Class Justification and Approval (CJ&A) document authorizes sole source procurement from NGSC for FRP Lots 18 through 23, encompassing an estimated 146 to 168 targets for FY25-FY30, with deliveries anticipated by Q1 FY33. The scope includes target vehicles, related equipment, technical support services, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and technical/administrative data.
Sole Source Justification
The contract was awarded on a sole source basis under the statutory authority of 110 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, "Only one Responsible Source and No Other Type of Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements." NGSC is identified as the sole designer, developer, manufacturer, and integrator of the GQM-163A Coyote SSST. They possess the exclusive engineering data, technical skills, and requisite knowledge required for production within necessary timeframes and without substantial duplication of costs. Developing a new system or obtaining licenses for competitive solicitation would result in significant delays (estimated 5 years for qualification and 24 months for production).
Future Considerations
Market research efforts included a pre-solicitation notice on SAM.gov on August 9, 2023, for Lots 18-20, which received no responses. Further pre-solicitation notices will be issued for Lots 21-23, and the Contracting Officer will evaluate any responses received. The government will assess the feasibility of future competitive contracts if other sources emerge. The authority for this CJ&A expires on December 31, 2030.