Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)/Full Rate Production (FRP) - Justification & Approval
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 Army, ACC-RSA, has issued a Justification & Approval (J&A) for other than full and open competition to extend the ordering period of contract W31P4Q-22-D-0004 with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. This action is for the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)/Full Rate Production (FRP) efforts, ensuring program continuity until a follow-on competitive contract can be awarded.
Purpose & Scope
This J&A justifies a six-month extension to the current contract's ordering period, from December 22, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The extension is necessary to prevent significant delays (estimated at 24 months) in hardware delivery and disruption to program timelines, as Northrop Grumman is identified as the only source capable of maintaining current production schedules without gaps. The scope includes:
- Procurement, delivery, and fielding of Major End Items (MEIs) for the IBCS system, specifically the Engagement Operations Center (EOC), Integrated Collaborative Environment (ICE), and Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) Relay.
- Associated support for firmware updates, engineering changes, hardware/software modifications, integration, testing, laboratory support, and mitigation of obsolescence issues.
- Delivery of a fully qualified updated Level III Technical Data Package (TDP).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: IDIQ (W31P4Q-22-D-0004)
- Awardee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- Current Ceiling: $1,389,325,477.56
- Extension: Six (6) months, extending the ordering period to June 30, 2027.
- Estimated Cost Increase: An increase to the overall contract ceiling is anticipated.
- Product Service Code: 5840 (Radar Equipment, Except Airborne)
- Place of Performance: Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- Not applicable, as this is a justification for a sole-source award based on the authority of "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements" (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B)).
Justification & Market Research
Market research indicated that while there is interest in a follow-on effort, no other vendors demonstrated the capability to meet the immediate delivery timeline and requirements without causing significant program delays. Competing this requirement now would cause substantial disruption.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation for proposals. A follow-on production contract is planned to be competitively awarded in FY27, following the delivery of the Level III TDP.