Last Time Antenna Buy for the GQM-163A Supersonic Sea-Skimming Target (SSST)
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), Aerial Targets Program Office (PMA-208), has awarded a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract modification to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC), Chandler, AZ. This award is for a last time buy of antennas (part numbers 1030-3005-003, 1030-3005-004, and ADC5459) in support of the GQM-163A Supersonic Sea-Skimming Target (SSST). The GQM-163A is an aerial target system critical for weapon systems test and evaluation and Fleet training. This was a sole-source award, justified under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.103-1, citing only one responsible source, as detailed in Class Justification & Approval (CJ&A) 16-0407.
Scope of Work
The contract modification specifically covers the procurement of three distinct antenna part numbers for the GQM-163A SSST. The GQM-163A system itself is designed to emulate anti-ship cruise missiles, supporting critical test and evaluation activities for the U.S. Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and other customers. The broader scope of the GQM-163A program, as outlined in the CJ&A, includes target vehicles, related equipment, technical support services, technical and administrative data, mission kits, replenishment spares, and advance long lead steel.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract modification
- Awardee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC)
- Place of Performance: Chandler, AZ
- Award Notice Date: April 13, 2026
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole-Source Award)
- Justification: Procured under statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition (10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1)), due to NGSC being the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the GQM-163A target system. NGSC acquired Orbital Sciences Corporation (the original competitive awardee in 2000) in 2018, inheriting the unique knowledge, experience, and noncommercial technical data/software rights.
Justification for Sole Source
The Class Justification & Approval (CJ&A) 16-0407 explicitly states that awarding to any other source would result in substantial duplication of costs and unacceptable delays, potentially jeopardizing the ability to meet annual inventory demands for critical operational test and evaluation events. Market surveys conducted by NAVAIR identified no other capable sources, and previous synopses for Full Rate Production (FRP) lots 11-13 and 14-17 on Federal Business Opportunities received no responses. NAVAIR has no plans to compete future contracts for these specific supplies and services, though efforts are underway to maximize subcontracting opportunities with NGSC.
Contact Information
- Primary: Jennifer Liese (jennifer.b.liese.civ@us.navy.mil)
- Secondary: Marianne Wild (marianne.g.wild.civ@us.navy.mil)